Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary hosts second Indian Bison Fest from March 8

Key facts

• The Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary will host the second edition of the two-day Indian Bison Fest on March 8 at Zeropoint.
• The Hirakud Wildlife Division organises the festival to celebrate the Indian bison, locally called Gayala, and its rising numbers in the Debrigarh-Hirakud landscape.
• The 2026 programme adds night camping, making it a two-day immersive experience inside the sanctuary.
• Day 1 features expert talks on gaur behaviour, habitat and conservation, a wildlife film screening, a guided gaur safari, and an evening stargazing session covering constellations like Saptarishi Mandal and Orion.
• Day 2 includes trekking, a cruise ride, and a visit to Bat Island which shelters over 1,000 fruit bats or flying foxes.
• The January 2026 gaur census recorded 848 animals, a net rise of 190 within one year, with 235 juveniles below two years forming nearly 30% of the population.
• The first edition on March 25, 2025 drew over 500 participants from across Odisha, including members of 68 eco development committees and students and teachers from 37 nearby schools.