What is Aura Farming? Viral Indonesian boat kid trend has everyone hooked — from Travis Kelce to BTS' Jungkook and V

The internet can’t stop talking about ‘aura farming’, a quirky phrase that’s taken over social media thanks to 11-year-old Rayyan Arkan Dikha from Indonesia. His composed dance on a racing boat went viral, sparking a global obsession. From celebrities to sports clubs, everyone is joining in, but what exactly is ‘aura farming’ and why is it everywhere?


‘Aura Farming’ is a slang term that picked up steam in 2024, but it’s only now trending globally. The phrase describes the effortless display of coolness or personal charisma. It’s about doing something repetitive with style, grace, and presence just like Rayyan did while calmly dancing on the boat.


His expressionless face, measured moves, and black outfit during Indonesia’s Pacu Jalur race instantly grabbed attention. The video was uploaded on TikTok and spread like wildfire, with people calling it the perfect example of ‘aura farming’.


Rayyan’s dance isn’t just a random trend. In Riau, Indonesia, the Pacu Jalur race traditionally features a ‘Tukang Tari’, the lead dancer on the canoe. Their role is to keep the rowers energised throughout the race. Rayyan has been doing this since he was nine, but his recent performance captured the internet’s imagination


The impact of Rayyan’s dance spread far beyond Indonesia. After the clip went viral, CRPF India recreated the routine near Marine Drive, drawing laughs and admiration online. Not long after, the Singapore Navy also posted their own version on Instagram, showing navy personnel ‘farming auras’ on their ship.


Both videos gathered thousands of views, proving how a local tradition can turn into a worldwide movement, thanks to social media.

Celebrities, sports stars, and influencers can’t stop ‘Farming Auras’

The ‘aura farming’ trend has caught the attention of global celebrities, influencers, and sports stars. BTS members Jungkook and V recreated the viral dance during an Instagram Live, sending ARMY fans into a frenzy. The duo’s playful moves from their car in Los Angeles quickly circulated on social media, making the clip an instant fan favourite.


French football giants Paris Saint-Germain also posted a TikTok attempting the boat dance, captioning it “His aura made it all the way to Paris.” The video has crossed millions of views as the football world continues embracing the fun. Moto GP racer Marc Marquez pulled off the dance on his bike after securing the first position in the German GP.


NFL star Travis Kelce, known for dating pop icon Taylor Swift, also joined the trend with his own take, amassing over 14 million views. Footballer Diego Luna incorporated the moves into his goal celebrations, while F1 driver Alex Albon uploaded his version online.


Major clubs like AC Milan and PSG adopted the ‘aura farming’ aesthetic in their content to engage younger fans. The simplicity and confidence of the dance have made it a universal expression, transcending borders and industries.


Rayyan didn’t just earn internet fame. He’s now the Tourism Ambassador for Riau Province and was awarded a government scholarship. His dance brought international attention to his culture and the Pacu Jalur festival, turning a centuries-old tradition into a modern-day phenomenon.