The Grand Magal de Touba is a massive religious pilgrimage in Senegal, honoring the exile and return of Cheikh Amadou Bamba, founder of the Mouride Brotherhood. It is marked by prayer, charity, and community gathering, drawing millions of participants each year to Touba.

When is Grand Magal de Touba?

Grand Magal de Touba in Senegal is celebrated every year on May 1.

The following is the list of Grand Magal de Touba from 2020 to 2049.

The History of Grand Magal de Touba?

The Grand Magal de Touba is rooted in the life of Cheikh Amadou Bamba Mbacké (1853–1927), the founder of the Mouride Brotherhood, a powerful Sufi order in Senegal.

In 1895, the French colonial authorities, fearing his growing spiritual and social influence, arrested Bamba and sent him into exile in Gabon. Bamba endured harsh conditions, but his faith and devotion only strengthened his reputation as a saintly figure.

In 1902, after seven years, he was allowed to return to Senegal.

To commemorate his exile and return, Bamba instituted the Magal, which means "celebration" or "thanksgiving" in Wolof. The event was not about lamenting his suffering but about expressing gratitude to God for protecting him during his trials.

After his death in 1927, the celebration grew as his disciples continued to honor his life and teachings.

Over the 20th century, the Magal evolved into a mass pilgrimage to Touba, the holy city founded by Amadou Bamba. Pilgrims visited his mausoleum inside the Great Mosque of Touba, which became the spiritual center of the Mouride order.

The pilgrimage grew from a modest commemoration to a national and international event, drawing Mouride disciples from across Senegal, West Africa, and the global diaspora.

Today, the Grand Magal de Touba is one of the largest religious gatherings in Africa, attracting 3–5 million pilgrims annually.