Rangaan

Rangaan is a term used in speculative fiction and world-building to describe a traditional form of communal art that blends color, music, and storytelling. In many imagined cultures, rangaan performances are seen as a rite of remembrance and social cohesion, performed at seasonal gatherings and public festivals.

Etymology in the fantasy literature often derives rangaan from rang, a root meaning color, with a suffix implying practice or art within the fictional languages of the world. Authors vary its linguistic origin to suit the fictional setting, but the concept consistently centers on color as a catalyst for communal memory and shared meaning.

Overview of practice describes rangaan as a collaborative ritual where a troupe uses natural pigments to create living murals on fabrics or walls while a lead storyteller recites verses that weave history, myth, and moral lessons. Percussion and wind instruments provide a dynamic rhythm, and audience members may be invited to participate, sometimes embodying painted figures in short, dance-like passages.

Origins and forms in fiction portray rangaan as ancient or revivalist, depending on the narrative. Some versions tie it to legendary guilds of painters and bards, while others present it as a modern movement reinterpreting old motifs for contemporary themes. Variants emphasize different aspects, such as Rangaan Bright (vivid color palettes) and Rangaan Night (shadow and light effects).

Cultural role and reception within fictional worlds often use rangaan to explore identity, memory, resilience, and community bonds. It serves as a versatile device for world-building, mood-setting, and character development, and appears across novels, games, and other media.

See also: Rangoli, murals, storytelling, color symbolism.