14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Meet Rayyan Arkan Dikha: The Indonesian boy behind the viral 'Aura Farming' boat racing dance
Rayyan Arkan Dikha, an 11-year-old boy from Indonesia's Riau province, has become a global internet sensation. Known for his calm and charismatic moves during a traditional boat race, Dikha's Aura Farming dance has taken over social media platforms worldwide. With his signature sunglasses and traditional black attire, Dikha has captured hearts across continents through his viral video performance on a speeding boat.
The Viral 'Aura Farming' Trend Explained
The term Aura Farming might sound unusual, but on the internet, it now symbolises confidence, style, and good vibes. It originated from a video featuring Rayyan Arkan Dikha performing calm, repetitive gestures on the bow of a traditional racing boat. His smooth dance, now famously dubbed the Boat Racing Dance, has been recreated by top athletes, celebrities, and content creators globally.
From football stars at Paris Saint-Germain to Formula One driver Alex Albon and even NFL player Travis Kelce, everyone's joining the Aura Farming wave.
The Cultural Roots: What Is 'Pacu Jalur'?
Bros job is to aura farm
The performance took place during a local Indonesian festival called Pacu Jalur, which means "boat race" in the regional language. This annual event is held every August to mark Indonesia's Independence Day and has been a tradition since the early 1600s.
In this race, teams compete in long, canoe-like boats. Rayyan was not just a participant—he held the role of Togak Luan, the dancer positioned at the tip of the boat whose job is to boost morale and energy among the rowers.
How the Boat Racing Dance Went Viral
Dikha's viral video shows him standing steadily at the front of a speeding boat, dressed in traditional Teluk Belanga attire, complete with a Malay Riau-style headpiece. He calmly blows kisses and sways his arms rhythmically, all while keeping a serious face.
What started as a spontaneous moment turned into a viral movement. Speaking to BBC Indonesia, Rayyan Arkan Dikha revealed, 'I came up with the dance myself. It was just spontaneous.'
Rayyan Arkan Dikha: From Village Boy to Cultural Icon
Bro Is Everywhere .. Peak Aura Farming
Rayyan, a primary school student from a small village in Kuantan Singingi Regency, was making his debut as Togak Luan when the Aura Farming video was recorded. Soon after, the internet began calling him 'The Reaper' – a nickname that suggests unbeatable energy and aura. One of the top comments on his viral video even stated, 'He's known as 'The Reaper' because he never loses.'
Recognition and Honour
The fame brought not just global attention but also official recognition. Rayyan Arkan Dikha has now been named Tourism Ambassador of Riau Province. Alongside this prestigious title, he also received a government scholarship as a reward for promoting Indonesian culture in such a unique and modern way.
The story of Rayyan Arkan Dikha, the boy behind the Aura Farming boat racing dance, is a brilliant example of how local traditions can go viral and connect people across the globe. From a cultural performance to a trending viral video, Dikha has shown that even a spontaneous dance can inspire millions.
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