Budgam, Oct 07 (KNO): The annual Poshak Bandi ritual was performed with religious fervour at the revered shrine of Hazrat Sheikh Nooruddin Noorani (RA) at Charar-i-Sharief in Budgam on Wednesday, marking the beginning of the annual Urs celebrations of the revered Sufi saint.
According to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the sacred ritual of changing the cloth draped over the holy grave was performed by Senior Member of the J&K Waqf Board Syed Mohammad Hussain Hakani, Administrator Mohammad Amin Dar, and Mutawali Ziyarat Mohammad Younis Haji, in the presence of other Waqf board officials and a large gathering of devotees.
The shrine reverberated with Manqabats, Naats, prayers and slogans in praise of Alamdar-e-Kashmir, as devotees gathered to witness the sacred ritual and offer prayers.
Popularly known as "Alamdar-e-Kashmir" and "Sheikh-ul-Aalam", Hazrat Sheikh Nooruddin Noorani (RA) is among the most revered spiritual personalities of Kashmir, whose teachings, poetry and message of peace have deeply influenced the Valley's spiritual and cultural traditions.
The annual Urs attracts devotees from different parts of Jammu and Kashmir, who visit Charar-i-Sharief to pay their respects, offer prayers and seek blessings.
As per the programme issued by the J&K Waqf Board, Shab Khwani will be held on October 8, while the main Urs Mubarak will be observed on October 9. The concluding Friday ceremony is scheduled for October 16.
Authorities have made arrangements for the smooth conduct of the Urs, with concerned departments directed to ensure adequate water, electricity, sanitation and transport facilities, besides necessary security arrangements for the devotees.
The administration and police have also put in place measures to regulate the movement of devotees and ensure the peaceful conduct of the annual Urs celebrations—(KNO)