Goa is once again turning purple with pride as it hosts the third edition of the International Purple Fest (IPF) 2025, from October 9 to 12 at the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG), Panaji. The event, organised by the Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) in collaboration with the Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Goa, and supported by United Nations India, stands as one of the country’s most comprehensive and inspiring celebrations of inclusion.
The festival, which began in 2023, has become a model for accessibility and social integration. It provides a platform for persons with disabilities (PwDs) to showcase their talents, exchange ideas, and participate in discussions on rights, innovation, and inclusive development.
A platform for dignity and empowerment
At its heart, the Purple Fest seeks to change perceptions. It moves beyond tokenism to recognise the skills, creativity, and leadership of persons with disabilities. By creating accessible spaces—physical, digital, and social—the fest embodies the principles of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, which calls for equal opportunity and participation in all spheres of life.
