Grand Magal of Touba
September 2021
The Grand Magal (Celebration) of Touba is one of the most famous pilgrimages in the world and the most prominent Muslim gathering in West Africa. Magal Touba falls on the 18th day of Safar, the second month of the Islamic Calendar. Millions of people visit the holy city of Touba, Senegal, yearly to commemorate the Mouride brotherhood founder Sheikh Aamadu Bàmba Mbàkke, 1895, exiled to Gabon by the French colonial government. Sheikh Aamadu Bàmba Mbàkke founded the Great Mosque of Touba, which serves as the Magal Touba pilgrimage site.
Magal Touba can be celebrated by:
Reading the Quran and writings of Sheikh Aamadu Bàmba Mbàkke;
Calling the name of Allah and prophet Sheikh Aamadu Bàmba Mbàkke;
Share food, drink, money, and knowledge, and provide shelter to people in need;
Visit the burial site of Sheikh Aamadu Bàmba Mbàkke at the Great Mosque or other religious sites in Touba.
Documented scenes were primarily captured in Touba and Mbacké from September 23rd - 27th, 2021, and reflect elements of a typical Magal Touba pilgrimage.
