(Minghui.org) The arrival of World Falun Dafa Day on May 13 has a special significance for more than 100 million Falun Dafa practitioners. It’s the date on which the practice was first introduced in China in 1992 by Mr. Li Hongzhi, Falun Dafa’s founder.

Practitioners carried a banner expressing their gratitude to Mr. Li Hongzhi, the founder of Falun Dafa, during a parade celebrating World Falun Dafa Day in New York City on May 13, 2026. (Minghui.org)

Mr. Li introduced Falun Dafa to the public in 1992. China’s economy was booming and many people pursued money. The ancient cultivation was introduced to society in the form of qigong to help people reconnect with spirituality and discover the core values of human civilization: Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance.

Thirty four years later, technology is more developed and the pace of life is faster, yet more and more people have woken up to the importance of inner peace, and appreciate Mr. Li’s contribution to society in promoting these values.

During the World Falun Dafa Day parade held in Manhattan on May 13, 2026, many passersby thanked Mr. Li for introducing these values to the public.

Practitioners held a grand parade in Manhattan to celebrate World Falun Dafa Day. (Minghui.org)

Student: Falun Dafa’s Founder Spreads Compassion

Ian Abou-Jaoude, a student at the Imperial College London, and his friend watched the parade in Manhattan on World Falun Dafa Day.

Ian Abou-Jaoude was born in Dallas, Texas, and is an engineering student at the Imperial College London. He was visiting a friend at Columbia University in New York City. They watched the parade that day and Abou-Jaoude said he admired the practitioners. “The parade was fascinating to see; [the practitioners] seemed committed to their cause and their spiritual expression. The route was quite long. The fact that they could maintain that level of focus is truly respectable.”

When he learned that day was also Mr. Li’s birthday, Abou-Jaoude said, “First of all, I wish him a happy birthday. His influence has touched and echoed with so many people in the world. His compassion has spread to the world.”

It saddened him knowing that the practice is persecuted in China and Mr. Li is banned from returning to his home country. “People in China could have had the opportunity to learn this practice,” he said. He was happy to see practitioners have freedom of belief and speech in New York, “This shows that the people in the city have accepted them, which is a stark contrast to the situation they face in China.”

As a Christian, Abou-Jaoude was glad to see that Falun Dafa practitioners were dedicated to spirituality. He agreed with the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance. “We all should work hard and behave according to these principles. Practitioners reflect on their morality to become better people.”

Financial Manager: Want to Celebrate with Founder of Falun Dafa

Jon Reader is a manager at a financial firm in London, England. He and his wife watched the parade in front of the New York Public Library.

Jon Reader is a manager in a financial firm in London, England. It was the last day of he and his wife’s trip to New York. The couple sat in front of the New York Public Library and watched the parade. Both of them were impressed by the peaceful atmosphere. “[The practitioners] seemed so calm and restrained. The parade was well-organized,” said Reader.

He said Falun Dafa’s principles are universal values across religions. “These principles teach people to be good. If everyone could follow them, people wouldn’t hurt each other, and the world would be a much better place. It is precisely that people have faith that they are able to be kind to others and respect life.”

He wished Mr. Li a happy birthday, “If I get to meet him one day, I’d like to celebrate the day with him.”

European Tourist: Falun Dafa Shows People the Right Direction

Ivan Fernandez from Europe was interested in practicing Falun Dafa.

Ivan Fernandez stood at a corner as the parade entered Eighth Avenue and he read the messages on the banners. “The messages made me want to learn more about this practice, because I think it will help me. If I could embrace the values, my life will be better, which will make an impact on people around me, and then the world.”

Standing quietly to watch the parade was a way Fernandez showed his respect for practitioners. “I am standing quietly here to show my respect. What they convey is a very important values for mankind. When everyone follows these principles, things will change for the better, which will really bring positive influence and change to the society.”

Fernandez said that he felt a positive energy from the practitioners. “They all seem truly happy. It seems like the practice makes them happy. They are working hard to show something that is real and can help everyone. They are trying to connect with people. This is really a good practice.”

When he heard that May 13 marks the first day Mr. Li taught the practice in China 34 years ago, he repeatedly asked Mr. Li to continue to do so. “I think everything he did is to lead people in the right direction. It’s good to know that someone is doing something good for mankind. It’s a pleasure to know something about him, it’s great to know all of this.”