Goa State Commission for Persons with Disabilities, in association with Directorate of Social Welfare and Entertainment Society of Goa, will be hosting first of its kind inclusive ‘The Purple Fest’ in Panaji, from January 6 to 8 of 2023. People with disabilities constantly have to deal with discrimination and stereotypes. To become an all-inclusive society, we need to change the way we view disability, and here is The Purple fest to change our mindset about such sensitive topics.

The three-day inclusive event aims to illustrate how people can unite to support and make everyone in our society feel included. This platform is a fantastic opportunity to illustrate how disabilities are not barriers.

The administration is also working towards making the important places as well as some beaches accessible to divyangs. Symbolising a new, positive narrative about the contribution of persons with disabilities in the workforce and other walks of life, The Purple Festival is coming through in the truest sense.

The event will feature live performances, grand exhibitions, sporting events, immersive experience zones, and an innovation mela. It will also include exciting competitions, accessible movie screenings, a mega car rally, and discussions on vital subjects like inclusive education, employment, tourism, and independent living. Some of these are mentioned below:

Purple Think Tank – This will be a series of talks and discussions on inclusive education and employment for people with disabilities.

Purple Fun – This will be a cluster of various fun activities such as Blind Car Rally, Bird watching, visit to tourist destinations such as beaches, temples and churches.

Purple Experience Zone – The experience zones would be a learning experience for specific group of people which shall be targeted to understand the life with disability.

Purple Exhibition – The exhibition area shall host various stalls of latest aids and appliances, products made by persons with disabilities, live art camps and various fun activities.

Purple Rain – Various astonishing live performances by renowned artists, such as music concerts, dance performances, and stand-up comedy.

While the event is free for Goan delegates, exhibitors, and students with disabilities from around the country, other delegates need to pay a fee of ₹1,000 to attend the Goa Purple Fest. 

The registrations are available under two categories: individual and organisation. NGOs or institutions working in the field of disability, can also avail 50% discount.