(Clearwisdom.net, March 22, 2004) On March 20, nearly 30 Falun Gong practitioners participated in the annual Warrandyte Festival held in Melbourne. At 11 a.m., the festival began with a march of several dozens of groups of different races dressed in various kinds of costumes. Falun Gong practitioners dressed in red traditional Chinese costumes performed the "Fan dance" while marching. Spectators by the roadsides warmly applauded the Falun Gong practitioners' procession for their elegant dance and banner imprinted with the words, "Truthfulness-Compassion-Tolerance."
Exercise demonstration
In this festival, the Falun Dafa practitioners' booth was set between two major stages. A constant stream of people came to watch the performances on the two stages. Practitioners demonstrated the Falun Gong exercises in front of their booth, which attracted many passersby's attention. Some asked about practice sites and schedules. Some immediately learned the exercises. Some requested the information of where to buy Dafa books. When a Westerner found out that all Falun Dafa activities are free of charge, he showed great interest. He said again and again, "Generous!"
At the display table by the booth, practitioners also presented their hand-folded paper lotus flowers to people passing by. Many children asked for the "Petals of Peace" postcards and would like to send them to the United Nations. The theme of the "Petals of Peace" event is to raise awareness about the Jiang group's cruel persecution of Falun Gong, and hoping to help the children who are currently suffering from the persecution in China.
When talking to people passing by, practitioners especially exposed the Jiang group's persecution of Falun Gong, which has resulted in numerous practitioners being imprisoned, tortured and even beaten to death. People who learned about the facts found it inconceivable that such a peaceful practice is suppressed. They expressed their strong indignation, and many people immediately signed the petition to support Falun Gong.
In the afternoon, practitioners demonstrated the 5-set Falun Gong exercises on the main stage. The melodious exercise music and practitioners' orderly movements made the performance especially unique and elegant.
