Why in News?
The Purple Fest is Recently in 2026 edition was hosted at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi, on March 13, 2026. Organised by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, the event serves as a major platform to celebrate the talents, achievements, and aspirations of Divyangjan (Persons with Disabilities).
About
- Viksit Bharat Vision: The President emphasized that Divyangjan are "equal partners" in the journey toward a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047.
- National Expansion: While originally starting in Goa, the festival has now expanded to other regions, including the recent event in Delhi and upcoming editions like Purple Fest Arunachal 2026 (rescheduled for later in March).
Key Features
- Objective: To promote understanding, acceptance, and inclusion of persons with disabilities in society while raising awareness about different disabilities.
- Core Theme: Often referred to as a "Festival of Inclusion," it celebrates diversity and focuses on empowering individuals by treating assistive devices as a right rather than charity.
- Key Activities:
- Cultural & Sports: Includes inclusive cricket matches, badminton, chess, and cultural performances by artists with disabilities.
- Exhibitions: Showcases art, literature, and entrepreneurship stalls (e.g., 22 stalls featured in 2025) to provide visibility and financial empowerment to Divyangjan entrepreneurs.
- Accessibility Features: The festival provides sign language interpretation, tactile interpretation, sensory rooms, and accessible transport to ensure it is a truly inclusive space.
- International Participation: Recent editions (like Goa 2025) have seen participation from nearly 30 countries, facilitating a global exchange of ideas on inclusivity.
- Symbolism of Purple: The colour purple represents power, dignity, and independence, aligning with the goals of the disability rights movement.
History and Organisation
- Inaugural Edition: First held in Panjim, Goa in January 2023.
- Organisers: It is primarily organized by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, often in collaboration with state governments (like Goa) and international bodies like United Nations India.
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