People Learn About Falun Dafa at the New York State Food Festival

(Minghui.org) Practitioners participated in the New York State Food Festival, organized by the Empire State Plaza in Albany on August 13, 2025. They demonstrated the exercises and told people about Falun Dafa and how it's persecuted by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Many people talked with them, and some learned the exercises.

The Empire State Plaza is a popular event venue located near New York state’s capital and is surrounded by towering government buildings. Numerous food stalls representing diverse cultures, including Asia, West Africa, Mexico, and the U.S., lined the plaza, offering visitors a rich culinary experience. The various musical performances created a lively atmosphere.

Falun Dafa practitioners participated in the New York State Food Festival on August 13, 2025.

Supporting Justice and Human Rights

The Falun Dafa booth was located in front of the Egg Performing Arts Center, facing the central fountain. Practitioners had just finished decorating their booth when the first flow of visitors came. Among them was a family of three; a gentleman walked to the booth and asked about Falun Dafa, hoping to try out the practice. Another gentleman was interested in Falun Dafa’s main book Zhuan Falun, which was displayed at the booth. He picked it up with both hands and listened attentively as a practitioner explained the essentials of the exercises and Falun Dafa’s principles.

Visitors picked up many types of informational materials from the booth, which included an introduction to Falun Dafa, how the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) manipulates some American media to suppress Falun Dafa, and the transnational repression of Shen Yun Performing Arts. Many people expressed their dissatisfaction and condemnation of the CCP’s transnational repression and said they supported justice and human rights.

A family of three signed the petition which calls on U.S. senators from New York to take action to defend religious freedom and condemn the CCP’s persecution of Falun Gong practitioners.

Government Employee Supports Falun Dafa and Shen Yun

A lady passed by the booth and accepted the flyer that a practitioner offered. They looked at each other and suddenly recognized one another. They used to be coworkers. The lady saw Shen Yun Performing Arts and was familiar with Falun Dafa.

A government employee condemns the CCP’s attempt to defame Shen Yun.

When the practitioner mentioned the transnational repression of Falun Dafa and Shen Yun, the lady said that she was not surprised. She said she’s seen how some pro-CCP American media publish misleading reports about Shen Yun. She said that the Shen Yun performers’ high intensity training is a pursuit of the pinnacle of art and a voluntary choice born out of love and a sense of mission, and has nothing to do with “abuse.”

She also admired the professionalism and dedication of the Shen Yun Performing Arts Company and was outraged by the CCP’s attempt to discredit such an art group that is dedicated to reviving traditional Chinese culture.

At noon, groups of government employees came to the square to enjoy the food. A man was on his way back to his office when he accepted a flyer from a practitioner. The practitioner told him about the CCP’s persecution of Falun Dafa, and showed him some information about Shen Yun and asked him if he had heard of the performing arts group. He smiled when she said “Shen Yun.” He said that he’s wanted to watch the performance, but had yet to get the opportunity.

The practitioner further explained the CCP’s transnational repression of Shen Yun. Hearing that, he was alarmed and furious, and said that he will definitely go and watch Shen Yun performance to show his support. When he found out that there is a petition to support the “Falun Dafa Protection Act,” he immediately signed the petition without any hesitation.

As soon as a young Chinese woman who moved to the U.S. for work two years ago heard about Falun Dafa, she enthusiastically helped practitioners set up the booth, the decorations and displays. She even bought lemonade for the practitioners. Seeing the steady flow of visitors who came to get the informational flyers, she smiled and said she was just “helping a little.” She thought that being able to participate in such an activity was very meaningful.

Practitioners demonstrate the exercises.

A New York State government employee talks to a practitioner to learn more about Falun Dafa.

Government Employee, “I’ve Always Wanted to Learn This”

Some government employees who already knew about Falun Dafa came to the booth and asked where they could learn the exercises. They took a photo of the display board that had the information.

A practitioner shows a government employee how to find the Falun Dafa official website on her mobile phone.

A practitioner showed people how to find the Falun Dafa website on their mobile phones, and where the exercise video and instructions were in English. She also guided them how to go online to purchase Falun Dafa books. Many government employees thanked her for her help.

Business Owner, “I Finally Found You All Today”

Daniel, a business owner, came to the Falun Dafa booth and chatted with a practitioner. He said he’s always been interested in spirituality and faith, and traveled to many countries in search of answers. He had just returned from Egypt. “I come here every Wednesday and I finally found you!” He smiled.

Daniel talks with a practitioner about Falun Dafa.

Daniel fully agreed with the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion and Forbearance. Seeing the T-shirt printed with the three words “Truthfulness, Compassion and Forbearance,” he immediately bought one. He wanted to wear it and remind himself to be a good person, and at the same time, convey this message to the people around him.

Daniel also learned the exercises and his movements were accurate. His company’s name is “Big Lotus Flower,” so when he saw the practitioners’ handmade small lotus flower keepsakes, Daniel smiled. He chose one of them, and said he planned to hang it in his shop. He bought the book, The Great Way of Spiritual Perfection, and posed with the practitioner for a photo.

After the event ended, practitioners said they were able to clarify the truth near the New York State government offices. Not only did they help more people learn about Falun Dafa and the CCP’s persecution, they were also able to talk with government employees in person. They hope that they can participate in similar events in the future so that they can tell people about Falun Dafa and awaken their conscience and sense of justice.