Thousands of worshippers gathered on Wednesday, August 13, in the spiritual city of Touba to mark the Magal, the annual religious festival commemorating the exile of Sheikh Ahmadou Bamba, the revered founder of the Mouride brotherhood.
The city came alive at dawn with the resonant sounds of khassaïdes, devotional hymns recited in both soft and sonorous tones by groups of faithful and broadcast across the city through loudspeakers.
The 131st edition of the Magal once again drew devotees from across Senegal and the diaspora, reaffirming Touba’s status as a central hub of Mouride spirituality.
Streets were filled with pilgrims making their way to the Great Mosque, while the air resonated with chants, prayers, and the rhythmic sounds of traditional percussion instruments.
Local authorities, in coordination with the Organizing Committee, mobilized resources to manage the flow of people and ensure public safety, highlighting the scale and logistical complexity of the event.
Vendors, transport operators, and community volunteers all played a role in supporting the millions of attendees who converged on the city to participate in prayers, charitable acts, and communal rituals.
“The Magal is more than a religious commemoration,” explained a local Mouride leader.
“It is a time of reflection, unity, and reaffirmation of the values taught by Sheikh Ahmadou Bamba.”
Observers noted that the event also serves as a significant cultural and socio-economic occasion.
Pilgrims contribute to local commerce, while the festival reinforces social cohesion and intergenerational transmission of Mouride traditions.
As the day unfolded, the city of Touba became a living testament to faith, resilience, and devotion, with celebrations continuing late into the evening.
For many attendees, the Magal represents both spiritual renewal and a reaffirmation of their connection to Senegal’s rich religious heritage.
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