Senegal witnessed a historic turnout for the 131st Grand Magal of Touba, commemorating the exile of Sheikh Ahmadou Bamba.
The annual religious pilgrimage, a cornerstone of the Mouride calendar, brought together worshippers from across the country and the diaspora, highlighting both its spiritual and socio-cultural significance.
A detailed survey conducted at the request of the Culture and Communication Commission provides fresh insights into the scale of this year’s event. Statistician-economist Dr. Moubarak Lo, Managing Director of Emergence Consulting Group, and survey expert Moussa Diaw led a four-day data collection operation from August 10 to 13, 2025.
Teams of investigators meticulously tracked vehicular flows and other logistical indicators to establish a profile of participants.
The study recorded 237,919 vehicles, excluding motorcycles and carts, entering Touba during the Magal, representing a 14.5% increase in car traffic compared to 2023. Based on this data, experts estimate that more than 6.58 million people attended the pilgrimage in the city and its immediate surroundings, marking a 12% rise since the previous edition.
Over the period from 2011 to 2025, attendance has more than doubled, rising from 3.09 million to the current figure.
This continuous growth presents substantial logistical challenges. Organizers face mounting pressures on reception facilities, traffic management, security operations, and the provision of essential services such as water, sanitation, and medical support.
Authorities and event planners will need to continue scaling infrastructure and operational capacity to ensure safety and comfort for the vast number of participants.
The Magal, beyond its religious significance, has evolved into a major socio-cultural and economic phenomenon. The survey—this year’s fifth since 2011—serves as a strategic tool to anticipate future needs, helping authorities and community leaders prepare for even larger gatherings in coming years.
“The continuous increase in participation demonstrates the enduring spiritual appeal of the Grand Magal, but also underscores the need for careful planning and resource allocation,” noted one of the survey coordinators.
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