Behind the Veil: Rangsrijan'26 reimagines identity through Naqabnama at Hindu College

The amphitheatre of Hindu College was transformed into a vivid tapestry of colour and introspection on April 9 as Abstractions, the Fine Arts Society, hosted its annual flagship fest, Rangsrijan’26. Marking another chapter in its legacy of student-led artistic expression, the event transformed the campus space into an immersive creative zone, bringing together installations, performances and artworks that reflected months of preparation and collaboration.

Centered around the theme “Naqabnama: The Veiled Inheritance,” the fest unfolded as an exploration of identity, memory, and the unseen layers that define who we are beyond what is visible. The experience lingered on the idea that inheritance is not always visible, yet it is continuously carried within us, shaping perception, emotion, and self over time.

The amphitheatre featured handcrafted installations including masks, mannequins and fragmented faces, with hand-painted banners and visual elements reinforcing the theme across the space. The layout created a walkthrough-style experience, prompting visitors to move through the space and engage closely with the artworks and their layered meanings.

The fest also featured four flagship competitions that explored the theme through different artistic forms. The Masked Muse, a face painting competition, Canvas Collective, art exhibition, Veil of Hues focused on translating abstract ideas and emotions into visual expression, and Thinking Through the Brushes, an online art competition.

A key highlight was Art Town, an open creative space inspired by the film Taare Zameen Par where attendees could paint and express themselves freely, with the emphasis placed on participation, experimentation and personal expression rather than competition. The initiative saw visitors from across backgrounds engaging with colours and canvases, contributing to an interactive and inclusive creative environment.

The fest also marked the launch of Alankrita: Nocturna, the annual magazine of Abstractions. Conceptualised as a dark carnival, the publication brought together artwork and written contributions that explored themes of mystery, imagination and hidden narratives. As the day progressed, the amphitheatre transitioned into a lively performance space, with cultural performances by various college societies and students adding energy and engagement to the event.

Rangsrijan’26 witnessed a turnout of around 1,500 attendees, including students, faculty members and visitors from colleges across Delhi. The crowd actively engaged with the exhibitions, installations and performances, contributing to a dynamic and interactive atmosphere.Get the latest entertainment updates from the Times of India, along with the latest Hindi movies, upcoming Hindi movies in 2026 , and Telugu movies.”