(Minghui.org) The Winter Holiday Season is always a busy time for Toronto-area Falun Dafa practitioners in the Tian Guo Marching Band and waist drum team. Over the course of the last two weekends they have participated in the Christmas Parade in the nearby city of Markham on November 30, 2024, and the marching band also joined the Christmas parades and celebrations in Mississauga and Bolton, on December 1 and 7, respectively. 

Familiar melodies like “Jingle Bells” and the Dafa classic, “Falun Dafa Is Good” were well received by spectators. Many people took pictures and applauded, while some exclaimed: “Good job!” and “Thank you!” Many Chinese spectators praised the performance on Chinese social media websites, with some saying the Tian Guo Marching Band was the best among the participating groups. 

The Tian Guo Marching Band and waist drum team joined several Christmas parades in the Greater Toronto Area. 

Best Performance

John Stegeman, Chair of the Christmas Parade in Bolton, said he invited the Tian Guo Marching Band to the event back in May. He was very impressed by the band’s performance during an event in Georgetown, and contacted the band about the parade in Bolton. He said he considers the Tian Guo Marching Band the best he’s seen in parades. 

John Stegeman, Chair of the Christmas Parade in Bolton, thanked Falun Dafa practitioners for their participation. 

Mr. Stegeman said he also liked the message brought by Falun Dafa practitioners. “We should teach children the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance in school,” he said. 

Peace and Less Stress

Markham resident Ash videotaped the Tian Guo Marching Band’s and waist drum team’s performances. Impressed by the music, he noticed that the band members were of widely differing ages. He said he could feel their passion and hard work, because both the music and performance were very professional. He thanked practitioners for being a part of the celebration. 

Ash said he liked the music very much. 

A practitioner explained that all band members are Falun Dafa practitioners who follow the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. Ash said he agreed with these principles and added that they can help reduce society’s pressure and stress. He said that what Falun Dafa practitioners were doing was great and he encouraged them to continue. 

Before he left Ash, asked where he could learn the practice. A practitioner showed him the Falundafa.org website and Ash said he would visit it. 

Improving Mind and Body

Brian is a security officer who was responsible for traffic during the parade. He enjoyed the Tian Guo Marching Band’s performance and wanted to know more about Falun Dafa. 

A practitioner explained that practicing Falun Dafa improves mind and body through five sets of exercises and by following the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. Brian was happy to hear this and said it’s important to improve physical health and follow spiritual guidance. 

The practitioner mentioned that those who practice Falun Dafa strive to be better citizens following Falun Dafa’s teachings, which include the traditional Chinese concept of harmony between Heaven and Earth. Brian appreciated the emphasis on harmony with the universe and again thanked practitioners for coming to the event. 

Traditional Culture

A spectator also named Brian, who lives in Mississauga, danced in time to the music from the Tian Guo Marching Band. He said the melodies were great, and the band members were very talented and each section was well coordinated. He was happy to see the band participate in the holiday celebration and praised the band members for their costumes and for representing traditional culture. 

Brian thanked practitioners for participating in the holiday celebration. 

After he learned that the band members practice Falun Dafa. Brian said he felt that the three words – Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance – have deep meaning and they are important principles for our lives. 

A Better Life

Born in Russia, Vitalii moved to Mississauga two years ago. Vitalii paid close attention to the Tian Guo Marching Band’s performance. He said the band was well coordinated and the music was superb. 

Vitalii really enjoyed the Tian Guo Marching Band. 

After hearing from a practitioner that the band members practice Falun Dafa, he nodded, saying everyone should remember the words Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance. He said that these principles can improve the lives of many people.