(Minghui.org) The annual “Flowers, Fruits and Vegetables” Harvest Festival was held on September 16, 2023, in Skierniewice, the horticultural capital of Poland. Polish President Andrzej Duda and other officials attended the opening ceremony and watched the parade, which included practitioners’ demonstration of the Falun Dafa exercises and traditional Chinese dragon dance performances.
Skirniewice is located 70 kilometers southwest of the capital Warsaw and is known as Poland’s horticultural center. The president mentioned in his speech that although the city’s production area only accounts for 4% of Poland’s green plant production, its yield accounts for 30% of the country’s total agricultural output, which provides a strong guarantee for Poland’s food self-sufficiency and also ensures that Poland’s green plant product exports are stable.
People dressed in traditional Polish costumes and brought fruit and grain to thank God for the good weather, farmers for their hard work, and various industries for their cooperation. This is the 46th year the festival was held, and each year the number of groups that participate in the parade increases.
When the Falun Dafa practitioners passed the podium, the moderator introduced them: “This is the Polish Falun Dafa Association group. Falun Dafa, also known as Falun Gong, is an ancient practice method originating from traditional Chinese culture. It is practiced in accordance with the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion and Forbearance.”
Falun Dafa practitioners participating in the festival.
Polish President Andrzej Duda watched as practitioners passed the podium.
Practitioners participate in the festival.
Because practitioners in Poland have participated in the Harvest Festival parades for years, many people know about Falun Dafa.
People Commend Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance
“We come to this parade every year because celebrating the harvest not only shows our huge harvest but also thanks God for His blessings,” said Mr. Jarosław Pepka, Mayor of Kowiesy.
Mayor Jarosław Pepka of Kowiesy.
The mayor raised the Falun Dafa flyer in his hand and continued, “The concepts of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance are very good. I agree. Thank you for telling us about them. I am very happy to see practitioners participating in this parade. I hope to learn more about Falun Dafa.”
Marek Pięcek, chairman of the Słupia town council, held a Falun Dafa leaflet in his hand and said, “More people need to know about Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance and assimilate to them. These words contain profound connotations and should be paid attention to.”
Marek Pięcek (first on right), chairman of the Słupia town council, praised Falun Dafa’s guiding principles.
Elżbieta Rusiecka who was part of an elderly group wearing traditional Polish costumes said happily, “We have a good harvest this year and we must not forget that this is God’s reward for kind people, telling us to be good. Just like what is written on your T-shirts: Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance. That’s great. We all need Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance, don’t you think?” Her words were echoed by the other people. They accepted flyers about Falun Dafa and took a group photo with practitioners.
Falun Dafa practitioners on their brightly colored boat-shaped float demonstrated the five sets of exercises. The golden dragon danced and sparkled under the blue sky. Practitioners introduced Falun Dafa to spectators along the parade route. Many people took photos and videos with their mobile phones.
A woman held a flyer and said, “The people who perform the exercises on the colorful boat are so calm and peaceful, and their bodies are illuminated. They are so beautiful. This practice does not look difficult. I want to learn how to practice Falun Dafa!”
Two young girls asked a practitioner for a flyer and said that they would read Zhuan Falun, the main text of Falun Dafa, online and learn the exercises.
The practitioner told them the address of a group practice site and invited everyone to learn the exercises, which are taught free of charge.
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