The second edition of the Indian Bison Fest will be held on March 8, 2026, at Zeropoint inside the Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary. Organized by the Hirakud Wildlife Division, the two-day festival celebrates the Indian bison, locally known as ‘Gayala’, and highlights the sanctuary’s growing importance as a gaur conservation hub.
Located in Odisha’s Sambalpur district, Debrigarh has emerged as one of eastern India’s key landscapes for protecting the Indian bison (gaur), the world’s largest bovine species.
According to the latest census conducted in January 2026, the gaur population in the Debrigarh-Hirakud landscape has reached 848, marking a net increase of 190 animals within a year. Nearly 235 of them are juveniles below two years of age, accounting for about 30% of the total population — a clear indication of healthy breeding patterns and stable herd dynamics.
The steady rise in numbers underscores the success of habitat management strategies, including grassland restoration, wetland management, and systematic monitoring. Officials say the sanctuary is gradually positioning itself as a long-term source population for gaur conservation in the region.
The Indian Bison Fest 2026 will feature a range of eco-tourism and educational activities. The programme includes expert talks on gaur behavior and habitat, wildlife film screenings, and guided gaur safaris within the sanctuary.
A special highlight this year is night camping inside the forest area, along with stargazing sessions where visitors can observe constellations such as Saptarishi Mandal and Orion under clear skies. The second day of the festival includes trekking and a cruise ride, along with a visit to Bat Island, home to more than 1,000 fruit bats.
The event aims to bring together students, researchers, conservation volunteers, and wildlife enthusiasts to raise awareness about biodiversity protection.
The Indian bison, scientifically known as Bos gaurus, inhabits forests and grasslands across India and Southeast Asia. It is currently listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List due to habitat loss, fragmentation, and hunting pressures.
Gaurs prefer forested landscapes with access to water and open grasslands for grazing. Conservation efforts focus on habitat protection, minimizing human-wildlife conflict, and maintaining healthy breeding populations in protected areas such as Debrigarh.
With its rising gaur numbers and expanding eco-tourism initiatives, Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary continues to strengthen its reputation as a model for community-linked wildlife conservation in India.