EnvironmentThursday, 5 March 2026·The Hindu
Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary to host 2nd Indian Bison Fest on March 8–9, 2026
Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary will host the second Indian Bison Fest on March 8–9, 2026, with a January 2026 census showing 848 gaurs.
Key highlights
Direct fact
On March 8–9, 2026, Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary in Odisha will host the second edition of the Indian Bison Fest at Zeropoint, following a January 2026 gaur census that recorded 848 Indian bison.
Key specifics
- The event is also called Gaur Fest.
- It is organised by the Hirakud Wildlife Division.
- The 2026 edition introduces night camping.
- The January 2026 census showed a net increase of 190 gaurs in one year.
- The local name for the Indian bison in the Debrigarh–Hirakud landscape is “Gayala”.
Exam lens
Environment and protected-area question type: sanctuary, census and festival matching; remember Debrigarh, March 8–9, 2026, 848 gaurs, and Hirakud Wildlife Division.