(Minghui.org) Falun Gong (also known as Falun Dafa) practitioners in Hong Kong gathered at Cheung Sha Wan Playground on May 8, to celebrate the upcoming 17th World Falun Dafa Day and Falun Dafa founder Master Li Hongzhi's birthday on May 13. They expressed their deep gratitude to Master Li with a large-scale group exercise demonstration, music and dance performance and a parade. Falun Gong practitioners from surrounding countries joined the celebration.
Falun Gong practitioners in Hong Kong gather at Cheung Sha Wan Playground to celebrate the upcoming 17th World Falun Dafa Day and Master Li's birthday
Falun Gong practitioners in Hong Kong celebrate World Falun Dafa Day and Master Li's birthday by doing the exercises together followed by a music and dance performance
Following the group exercise, the Divine Land Marching Band played several pieces composed by Falun Dafa practitioners. The waist-drum troupe give a joyful drumming and dance performance. Practitioners pressed their hands in front of the chest and said in voice, “Thank you, Master! Wish Master Happy Birthday!” They then sang the song “Falun Dafa Is Good” in a group.
“World Falun Dafa Day Will Become the Most Glorious and Sacred Holiday”
Mr. Kan Hung-cheung, spokesperson for the Hong Kong Falun Dafa Association
Mr. Kan Hung-cheung, spokesperson for the Hong Kong Falun Dafa Association, told the reporter, “World Falun Dafa Day is celebrated globally by Falun Dafa practitioners. We are here to celebrate this special day and express our gratitude for Master Li's introduction of Falun Dafa to the public. Falun Dafa has benefited more than 100 million people, uplifted morality, and shines with the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion and Forbearance. I believe that World Falun Dafa day will become the most glorious and sacred holiday in the future.”
People Long for Truth
Mr. Kan added that the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) slanderous propaganda had deceived many people and initially turned them against Falun Gong practitioners. However, practitioners' persistent truth clarification has turned things around. More and more people have learned the true story and chosen to quit the Communist organizations. Kan noticed the obvious change in the past couple of years: Minghui Weeklyhas become very popular as more people want to learn the truth.
Spreading the Truth and Benefits of Falun Dafa
Ms. Tang Yidan is happy to participate in the parade
Ms. Tang Yidan, a drummer in the Divine Land Marching Band, was born in China. She has been practicing Falun Dafa since she was seven, and has participated in three parades in Hong Kong. Even though she was sweating, she didn't feel tired, but instead felt very happy. Ms. Tang said, “There are many parade spectators in Hong Kong and the parade routes are usually long. We made every step firmly. I think our peacefulness and the greatness of Dafa is shown through our parade. We present the beauty of Dafa with every parade. Every trip I made to Hong Kong is so worth it!”
Ms. Zhan Lingyu dressed as a celestial maiden
Ms. Zhan Lingyu, a college student from Taiwan, participated in the parade dressed as a celestial maiden. When Lingyu was just seven years old, her mother's illnesses disappeared after she began practicing Falun Dafa. Having benefited from Dafa, her mother got Lingyu started. Lingyu gradually gained an understanding of the Fa herself, and became a diligent practitioner. She said, “Dafa practitioners are so kind. This group is a piece of pure land. I'm very happy to be part of it!” This is the fifth time Lingyu has participated in activities in Hong Kong. She hopes that more people will see the benefits of Falun Dafa.
New Practitioners from Mainland China Wish for Freedom to Celebrate in China
Twenty-five-year-old new practitioners Daming and Meixia came from Shenzhen to join the celebration. Daming said that practicing Falun Dafa has changed his view of life. He felt enlightened to the meaning of life, and enjoyed having a calm and bigger heart. Meixia said, “After reading Zhuan Falun, I learned to treat things with a peaceful mind. I no long complain as easily as I used to. I follow Truthfulness, Compassion and Forbearance in every aspect of my life, and know how to help my friends with their issues too.”
These new practitioners were excited to participate in the World Falun Dafa Day celebration for the first time. Daming said, “I hope we practitioners in mainland China will soon be able to have the freedom to celebrate this great day!” Meixia added, “It's also my wish. I hope that more and more people will learn more about Falun Dafa and be saved!”
Daming and Meixia chose to quit the Communist Youth League and Young Pioneers on this special day. Then they spoke in one voice and wished Master Li a happy birthday!
