NDINGALA 2025 : A Historical and Spiritual Pilgrimage at the Heart of Layene Heritage

A Historical and Spiritual Pilgrimage at the Heart of Layene Heritage

On Saturday, June 14, 2025, the Layene community will experience a deeply emotional and commemorative moment with the organization of the Ziaara (pilgrimage) to Ndingala, the former site of Camberene. This sacred place, founded in 1888 and steeped in history, welcomed Seydina Limamou Lahi (asws) after a three-month stay in Goree, followed by nine months in Dakar. This year’s pilgrimage holds special significance as it marks the first official journey of the General Khalif, Seydina Mouhamadou Lamine Lahi, outside of Yoff since his accession on April 9, 2026.

More than just a spiritual gathering, this Ziaara represents a profound connection to the roots of the Mahdi Seydina Limamou Lahi (asws) and the path of his first disciples.

A Site Rich in History and Spirituality

Ndingala, formerly Kem Médine, was founded by Seydina Limamou Lahi (asws) in 1888 as a sanctuary for followers from Walo, Cayor, Gandiol, Ndiambour, and other regions. Between 1894 and 1904, the site expanded and became a center of spiritual influence. The 1914 plague epidemic forced the relocation of the village to Camberene under the initiative of the first Khalif, Seydina Issa Rouhou Lahi (as), who quarantined the site and moved the faithful near the Atlantic Ocean. Ndingala thus became a place of remembrance, preserving the memory of the trials faced by the Layene community.

Thanks to the vigilance of the third Khalif, Baye Seydi Thiaw Lahi, and a historic mobilization, President Senghor annulled a decree in 1981 that had granted these lands to private individuals. Since then, the Ziaara of Ndingala, now integrated into the pilgrimage, has been held every Tabaski under the leadership of the General Khalif.

The Ndingala Pilgrimage 2026 Program

This significant day will be marked by moments of reflection, spiritual transmission, and tributes to key figures of the community:

– Morning:
– Recital of the Holy Qur’an to inaugurate the day.
– Religious discussion led by Serigne Cheikh Mbacké Lahi ibn Seydina El Hadji Abdoulaye Thiaw Lahi.
– Zikr session, reconnecting with devotional chants rooted in the teachings of Seydina Limamou Lahi (asws).

– Afternoon:
– Following the Tàkkusaan prayer, Chérif Mame Libasse Lahi will delve into the texts of Cheikh Makhtar Lo, dedicated to the life and work of the Mahdi (asws).
– At 7:30 PM, devotees will visit the Mausoleum of Sokhna Mantou Lahi, daughter of Imam Al-Mahdi (psl), for a moment of meditation and prayers.

– Presidency and Tribute:
– This edition will be presided over by the General Khalif, Seydina Mouhamadou Lamine Lahi, marking a new chapter in the spiritual journey.
– A tribute will be paid to Baye Abdoulaye Fall, the guardian of Ndingala for decades until his passing in 2021.

The Significance of the Ndingala Pilgrimage for the Layenes

This pilgrimage is more than a commemoration; it symbolizes loyalty to the legacy of Seydina Limamou Lahi (asws), the transmission of spiritual values, and the preservation of a foundational site for the community.

In a rapidly changing world, Ndingala remains an anchor, reminding believers of the strength of the Mahdi’s message, the journey of the early disciples, and the continuity of the spiritual mission upheld by successive Khalifs.

Each year, the Layenes gather at this sacred space to reaffirm their commitment, reconnect with the roots of their faith, and honor those who have worked to keep this spiritual light alive.

The organization of this pilgrimage is entrusted to Cherif Idrissa Thiaw Lahi ibn Seydina El Hadji Abdoulaye Thiaw Lahi.

Sélou Laye BA