Rapper Hanumankind, who became a global sensation through his 2024 music video Big Dwags, is back with a new release. Like his hit track, which featured the Indian circus act 'Well of Death,' the new video, 'Run it Up,' is also strongly rooted in Indian culture, with folk and martial arts from Kerala and other parts of India featured prominently in the video. While the Kerala arts lined up in 'Run it Up' are kalaripayattu, chendamelam, garudan parava, Kandannar Kelan and Vellaattam, the video also shows the Maharasthra-based martial arts mardani khel, the Punjabi martial art of Gatka and the Manipuri traditional martial art form Tangh Ta. Many on social media have been trying to identify where to check out these vibrant folk forms for real. Here are the regions you should head to to experience them in real-time: 

1. Kerala martial art Kalaripayattu
This ancient 3000-year-old martial art form has its roots in warfare and Kerala's self defense traditions. There are tourist-friendly shows of the art form at various places like the CVN Kalari in Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode, Kadathanadan Kalari Centre in Thekkady, Munnar Kalari Centre in Idukki and Kerala Kathakali Centre in Kochi. Some of these spots also offer short-term courses and beginner workshops for tourists. 

2. Garudan parava
A rare ritualistic folk dance staged at central Kerala's Bhadrakali temple festivals, garudan parava has a dancer dressed as the mythical eagle garudan. The performer wears vibrant costumes that resemble that of a bird and stages dynamic, twisty moves that mimic Garuda's leaps, spins and stomps. The performance is also similar to Garudan Thookkam, which is more of a trance-like suspension. A few of the temples where it can be experienced are the Aryankavu Bhagavathy Temple in Ernakulam, Anikkadu Sri Bhagavathy Temple and Kudamaloor Karikulangara Devi Temple. 
In 'Run it Up,' its performed by Garudan parava artiste Anandu P Valsan. 

3. Chendamelam
Kerala's traditional percussion ensemble features the instrument chenda, a cylindrical drum played with the artiste's hands and sticks. Chendamelam is known for its high-energy, rhythmic beats and intensity. You can see it at all major Kerala temple festivals, especially the renowned Thrissur Pooram. These days, it is also part of other cultural events in Kerala and is a common sight at various programmes. 

4. Kandannar Kelan theyyam
A type of theyyam (ritual dance)performance in north Kerla, Kandannar Kelan narrates the story of a warrior who is believed to have survived a forest fire with his God's blessings. The show is known for its elaborate make-up, headdresses and vibrant movements that remind you of marital arts. It is also performed in the theyyam season (November to May) in various Bhagavathy Temples of the region. 

5. Vellattam
An introductory theyyam ritual in north Kerala temples is a simple performance in which the performer wears comparatively minimum makeup and simple costumes. Story-telling and percussion are also part of it. You can see in at various temples like the Pilikunnu Ivar Bhagavathy Temple of Kasaragod, Kannur's Parassinikadavu Muthappan Temple and Vellur Sree Kozhunthumpadi Temple, Kannur. 

6. Mardani Khel
A Maharashtraian traditional martial art employing sticks, swords and agile footwork, it was employed by Maratha soldiers. Its demonstrations, live training sessions, and shows are held at Mumbai's Shivaji Park, Pune's Sinhagad Fort, and various akhadas and festivals of the state. 
7. Gatka
A traditional Sikh martial art known for combining acrobatics with swordplay and stick fighting, gatka originated on battlefields. You can see its demonstrations at Amritsar's famous Golden Temple, Delhi's Sikh Gurudwara during various Sikh celebrations and the local Punjabi villages and gurudwaras. 

8. Thangh Ta
Manipur's martial art form Thang-Ta is another battle-driven martial art involving swords, spears and acrobatics. Check out its regular performances at the Manipur State Museum at Imphal, various local akharas and even during the Republic Day parade, among cultural performances. 

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