(Minghui.org) The Federation of Indo-Americans of Northern California hosted an India Day Parade on August 21, 2022, as part of the Festival of Globe. Falun Dafa practitioners were invited to participate in the parade and were well received by spectators.

Practitioners participate in the India Day parade

Falun Dafa practitioners’ booth at the Festival of Globe

KP Maheshiwari, the parade organizer, said, “There are over 60 groups participating in this year’s parade. This is the most we’ve hosted so far. We are celebrating Indian Independence Day, which falls on August 15.”

Maheshiwari said that thousands of spectators were present, and broadcasting stations such as NBC and TV Asia were also covering the parade.

The parade started around 11:00 a.m. near Fremont’s government center. Fremont’s mayor, vice mayor, other council members, and representatives from the Indian consulate participated in the parade.

Falun Dafa’s procession included a waist drum team and a Falun Dafa exercise demonstration team. The waist drum teams’ melodious music and drum beat impressed spectators. The exercises demonstration team was also well-received.

KP Maheshiwari, the parade organizer, was happy that practitioners attended

Maheshiwari said, “Falun Dafa’s procession is wonderful and their performances are outstanding. I am very enthusiastic about seeing practitioners’ performances. I am happy that practitioners are able to attend this parade.”

“Falun Dafa practitioners attended the Indian Day parade in the past and left a deep impression on me. I like the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. I know that people benefit in mind and body after practicing Falun Dafa.”

Many spectators took out their cellphones to take pictures of the practitioners’ procession and gave practitioners a thumbs up.

Vikas stated that the world needs the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance.

Vikas enjoyed the Falun Dafa procession and said, “I enjoyed the waist drum performances a lot. It was great. Their costumes are very traditional. I like the principles of Falun Dafa and the world needs the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance.”

Nilash gives a thumbs up to the practitioners’ procession.

Nilash, a resident of Fremont, gave a thumbs up to practitioners as they passed by. “They are amazing. Their movements are synchronized and the colors of their costumes are vibrant. The world needs Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance,” he said.

Sarand, a pathologist, praised practitioners’ energy.

Practitioners set up a booth at the festival and many people expressed an interest in learning more about Falun Dafa.

Sarand, a pathologist, watched the practitioners’ parade and said, “They are full of energy. The procession and the music were both amazing. I have never seen anything like this before.

“The principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance are beautiful. We need to follow these principles in our lives. We should be truthful and treat others compassionately. Though it may not be easy doing so, we still need to work towards that direction."

After learning about the Chinese Communist Party’s ongoing persecution of Falun Dafa, he said, “This is not right. Everyone should have freedom of religion as long as no one is getting hurt. Everyone should have freedom of speech and religion.”

Sarand said he wanted to learn about Falun Dafa’s meditation exercises and research the practice some more.