PANAJI: The third edition of the International Purple Fest, Goa 2025, kicks off today, bringing together participants, delegates, artists, and changemakers from across India and the world. The four-day event, which will run until October 12, celebrates inclusivity, accessibility, and empowerment through cultural showcases, dialogues, creative performances, and collaborative initiatives that champion the rights of persons with disabilities.
This year’s festival, themed around inclusivity, accessibility, and empowerment, promises a vibrant mix of cultural showcases, discussions, exhibitions, and performances that champion the rights and potential of persons with disabilities.
The inaugural ceremony, scheduled for 5 pm at the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG), will be attended by an eminent lineup of guests, including Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment Virendra Kumar, Minister of State for New and Renewable Energy Shripad Naik, and Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale.
Other dignitaries include Rajya Sabha MP Sadanand Shet Tanavade, UN Resident Coordinator in India Shombi Sharp, Minister for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Subhash Phal Dessai, CCP Mayor Rohit Monserrate, and senior officials from state and central departments, including Chief Secretary V Candavelou, Secretary DePwD Prasanna Acharya, Director, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Varsha Naik, and Secretary, Office of State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities Taha Haaziq.
Speaking ahead of the festival, Minister Phal Dessai said, “Goa is proud to host the International Purple Fest 2025, a celebration that reflects our vision of an inclusive, empowered, and compassionate society. This festival is a testament to our collective commitment toward accessibility, equality, and human dignity.”
State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities Guruprasad Pawaskar added that the fest serves as “a unique platform to showcase the talent, creativity, and resilience of persons with disabilities,” inviting everyone to experience Goa’s commitment to inclusivity and empowerment.
The evening will feature Purple Rain, a lively cultural showcase with performances by artists with disabilities alongside mainstream performers. The lineup includes Palak Muchhal, Vijay Prakash, Sona Mohapatra, Mayuri Atre, and Goa-based acts Eastern Brook, 7 Notes, Surmayi Sham, and Swaraag.
Day One of the fest will also feature the 1st International Convention of the Deaf at the Panaji Convention Center from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., bringing together global leaders to discuss the recognition of national sign languages and the role of AI in accessibility. The All India State Commissioner Meet will follow from 2 pm to 4 pm, while the Purple Think Tank Sessions will run throughout the day across various zones in Panaji.
Other attractions include the Purple Experience Zone at the Panaji Exhibition Grounds, showcasing innovations and accessible solutions; Purple Street and Purple Spectrum activities across city spaces; and the Kaleidoscope and Fun Zone at the cultural grounds.
In the lead-up to the inauguration, several pre-events were held across the capital, focusing on accessibility, inclusive tourism, sports, and public engagement. Yesterday began with a consultative roundtable on inclusive tourism, hospitality, and sports at the Old GMC complex, followed by the Apna Arcaus Purple Walk and a welcome ceremony for accessibility advocate Sunil Mangal and his team.
