Team Goemkarponn
Panaji: The International Purple Fest Goa 2025, India’s premier celebration of the rights and achievements of persons with disabilities, will be held from October 9 to 12 in Goa. Organized by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Government of Goa, in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and the United Nations in India, this year’s edition will focus on the theme “Think Inclusive – Advancing Inclusion through Universal Design for Everyone.” The Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG) will serve as the official venue partner for the event.
Registrations for the event are now open through the International Purple Fest Goa mobile app, available via the official website https://purplefest.goa.gov.in for both Android and iOS users. Participants are encouraged to register early to access the schedule, venue information, and exclusive content.
Speaking at the announcement, Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant emphasized that Purple Fest has become a platform where every voice is valued. He said the focus on Universal Design this year aims to redefine inclusion not just as a policy goal but as a practical design philosophy that ensures accessibility in all spheres of life, from cities to villages. Minister Subhash Phal Dessai highlighted the Fest’s strong focus on rural inclusion, noting that persons with disabilities in villages face unique challenges in healthcare, education, and transportation. Through dedicated sessions and a Rural Inclusion Conference, the Fest aims to spotlight these challenges and offer scalable, practical solutions.
State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Guruprasad Pawaskar, stated that Purple Fest 2025 is more than just an event—it is a movement to bring visibility to the real-life experiences of persons with disabilities and guide inclusive policymaking across Goa. The Fest will feature interactive zones and exhibits to demonstrate real-world applications of Universal Design across areas like infrastructure, transport, education, and banking. A Universal Design Pavilion will showcase inclusive solutions, while a “Design for All Challenge” will invite students and innovators to propose impactful ideas for public spaces.
The Fest will also include the Purple Conference and Purple Think Tank, which will host discussions on policy, rural inclusion, leadership, and cross-sectoral implementation of Universal Design. The Purple Exhibition will display over 100 stalls featuring assistive technology, products, and services created by or for persons with disabilities. Purple Kaleidoscope will celebrate artistic expression through visual arts, music, and dance, while Purple Rain will feature powerful stage performances by artists with disabilities.
For recreation and engagement, Purple Fun will offer inclusive Zumba sessions, scenic cruise rides, astronomy walks, and drum circles. Purple Sports will showcase inclusive sporting events, including a special women’s cricket match, while Purple Street will bring public spaces alive with music, art installations, workshops, and live performances.
By emphasizing Universal Design and rural inclusion, Purple Fest Goa 2025 aims to catalyze real change in how society perceives and supports accessibility. More than just a festival, it is a dynamic celebration of creativity, empowerment, and community, working toward a future where everyone—regardless of ability or location—can live with dignity and opportunity.
