The 129th edition of the Grand Magal of Touba is being celebrated under the theme: “the work of Senegalese scholars in the Koran”.

Some 4 million pilgrims are converging on the religious city of Touba this Monday.

The pilgrims, who come from all over Senegal, Africa and the rest of the world, are commemorating the exile of the founder of Muridism, Sheikh Ahmadou Bamba.

In September 1895, Serigne Touba, as he is commonly known in Senegal, was deported to Gabon by the French colonial administration for 7 years.

A few years after his return from exile, Sheikh Ahmadou Bamba recommended the Magal to his followers – a day of divine devotion, meditation and the sharing of meals. 

One of the major innovations of this 129th edition of the Touba Magal is the rehabilitation of the Thiès – Touba railway line which has been down since 2019.

Trains were refurbished at the beginning of September to facilitate the transport of worshippers and also to contribute to the economic development of Touba.