WATCH: Mumbai Cops Groove To 'Aura Farming'; Know All About The Boy Whose Spontaneous Dance Created A Global Trend

Rayyan Arkan Dikha, a 5th-grader from Kuantan Singingi Regency, Indonesia, shot to instant fame after videos of his mesmerising dance moves were shared across TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube in late June.

Wearing traditional Teluk Belanga attire and a Malay Riau headcloth, Dikha can be seen balancing fearlessly on the tip of a long canoe-like racing boat-called Jalur, while performing his now-iconic routine.

The origins of 'Aura Farming'

The term 'aura farming' has quickly become a buzzword on social media, describing the art of exuding effortless cool and building one’s personal charisma or “aura.” Dikha’s performance, complete with rhythmic arm waves, nonchalant kisses to the crowd, and his trademark blank expression behind sunglasses, is being hailed as the perfect example of this trend.

One viral clip featuring Dikha has already amassed over 1.1 million likes, with comments calling him 'The Reaper,' a nickname that reflects his winning streak at boat races. “He’s called the reaper because he never loses,” one user wrote in a comment that topped the likes.

A spontaneous display of swagger

Speaking to BBC Indonesia, Dikha revealed that none of it was pre-planned. “I came up with the dance myself,” he said. “It was just spontaneous.”

His debut as Togak Luan, the dancer who stands on the prow to motivate the rowers,took place during the national Pacu Jalur boat race. “Pacu” translates to “race,” while “Jalur” refers to the elongated, narrow boats used in the competition, which is a cherished tradition in Riau province.

Celebrities join the 'Boat Race Kid Aura' craze

The dance craze hasn’t been limited to Indonesia. International athletes and teams are jumping on the trend, including American football star Travis Kelce, Formula 1 driver Alex Albon, and even the Paris Saint-Germain football club, all of whom have recreated Dikha’s moves in tribute videos.

In another video that if going viral, Mumbai police also seem to have joined this trend and grooving the moves of Dikha. They received compliments and praises for sticking to the trend and showcasing a little fun while on duty.

From sports celebrities to everyday users, people worldwide are now replicating his 'aura farming' dance under hashtags such as #AuraFarmingKidOnBoat and #BoatRaceKidAura, pushing his clips into the millions of views.

While the spectacle has entertained viewers globally, it’s also shone a spotlight on Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage and the traditional Pacu Jalur races. Dikha’s rise underscores how a single moment of authentic joy can inspire and unite people across the world.