(Clearwisdom.net) The island of Bali has been holding the Kuta Carnival during the first week of July for three years in order to boost tourism. The theme of this year's Carnival is "Celebrating Rebirth," and the opening ceremony was hosted by the Mayor of Badung City. Many government officials as well as local people from all circles attended. The director of the National Bureau of Tourism Development also attended the opening ceremony, showing the central government's support for the event. The Falun Gong group, singled out as the "Most Outstanding Group," received a Trophy of Excellency.
  "Fa Rectifies Heaven and Earth" banner |
  Students from a school for the blind also participated in the parade. They can read Zhuan Falun |
  The Falun Gong group receiving a Trophy of Excellency for "Most Outstanding Group" |
  Little practitioners |
  The eye-catching banners of "Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance" |
  Practitioners' procession |
  Fan dance |
  Lotus dance |
  Zhuan Falun book model |
Forty-three groups participated in this third annual carnival. A parade with participants from famous international corporations, civil groups, and Falun Gong practitioners was the highlight of the first day of the carnival.
After the parade, the carnival committee voted Falun Gong as the "Most Outstanding Group" based on number of participants, costumes, decoration and overall appearance. Practitioners were presented with the carnival's highest honor, the Trophy of Excellence.
About 100,000 tourists from all over the world, together with local residents, watched the parade, and the practitioners' procession received warm applause all along the parade route.
