The Magal of Touba, one of Senegal’s most important religious pilgrimages, is set to evolve with new safety and organizational measures as it continues to cement its place on the national intangible heritage list.
This official recognition, warmly welcomed by the General Caliph of the Mouride Brotherhood, underscores the deep spiritual and cultural significance of the annual event, scheduled for August 12 this year.
Among the key changes announced ahead of the pilgrimage is a strict ban on minors driving carts within Touba. Speaking on behalf of the Caliph, Serigne Bassirou Abdoul Khadre Mbacké emphasized that children under 18 must no longer operate these carriages, frequently used for intra-city transport.
This directive, to be enforced by both the municipality of Touba Mosque and security forces, seeks to curb the recurring accidents that have marred past gatherings, particularly during the Magal’s massive influx of worshippers.
“The measure must be applied even before the Magal begins,” the spokesperson stressed, highlighting the urgent need to protect vulnerable young people amid the pilgrimage’s intense traffic pressures.
In addition to safety initiatives, Touba is preparing a comprehensive cleaning campaign launching on the first day of the lunar month of Safar.
This large-scale effort will mobilize thousands of volunteers to ensure sanitation, waste management, and orderly passageways throughout the holy city. Reflecting Mouride values, the campaign underscores that cleanliness is both a spiritual act and a mark of communal discipline.
Adding to this year’s spiritual offerings, the Cheikhoul Khadim residence will open a unique exhibition dedicated to Cheikh Ahmadou Bamba, founder of Mouridism. The display will feature rare documents, period artifacts, and personal testimonies, designed to deepen pilgrims’ understanding of the brotherhood’s history and teachings. Positioned as an educational complement to the Magal, the exhibition aims to pass on core values to future generations.
As the Magal grows in scale and influence—drawing over 5.8 million participants last year—these new measures reveal a concerted effort to balance tradition with modern demands for security, urban management, and heritage preservation, ensuring the pilgrimage remains a safe and inspiring spiritual journey.
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