(Minghui.org) Practitioners participating in the Begonia Festival Parade in Ballarat on March 9, 2026, introduced Falun Dafa. The spectators enjoyed their exercise demonstration, waist drums, and dragon dance.

A Victorian boom town after gold was discovered in the 1850s, the city began holding its annual Ballarat Begonia Festival in 1953. Hundreds of begonias are displayed, and the parade on Victorian Labor Day near Lake Wendouree is the peak of the celebration.

Falun Dafa practitioners participated in the Begonia Festival Parade on March 9.

The Importance of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance

When practitioners’ contingent passed the stage, the hosts introduced Falun Dafa and said the practice includes five easy-to-learn exercises. They praised the colors and the participants, including those doing the dragon dance, and said they were a good match for the parade.

One host explained that Falun Dafa is based on the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance, which are very beneficial to society. The other host commended practitioners for their efforts in presenting a dragon dance, an exercise demonstration, celestial maidens, and a waist drum performance. She was impressed by the costumes, drums, and banners and said, “They have absolutely done an amazing job.” She also said she wanted to know more about Falun Dafa.

A Solution for Society

Photographer Kate Hewlyar and her family

Newspaper photographer Kate Hewlyar saw the parade with her husband Sean Hewlyar and their daughter. Kate took many photos of practitioners because she said she liked the colors and their energy.

Sean agreed: “Their performance is happy and energetic. It’s brilliant.”

The couple liked the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. “It think it would be good thing to implement those values in the community,” Sean said. He said he’s worried about what the youth are learning from the media these days.

Kate also believes people need to be more calm and that Falun Dafa is a solution. She said it is important to connect with the community. “Showing yourself in the community is a great start,” she added.

Beautiful Message

Renate Dennemoser (center) and her family

Renate Dennemoser, a retired fashion designer, came from Gippsland several hours away to meet her son and daughter. “The performance is absolutely fantastic and really beautiful,” she said.

Her son Kris, a warehouse operator, said he likes the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance very much. “You have to be very honest at work, support coworkers with kindness, and remain tolerant when others make mistakes,” he explained. He thanked practitioners for their contribution to the parade. “It is a 10 out of 10,” he said.

Renate’s daughter, Sarah Chapman, is a polymer clay artist. “The costumes and everything are beautiful and gorgeous. Well presented,” she said. “The kids also like their little lotus flowers.

“We need more truthfulness and compassion—and tolerance as well,” Sarah added. “Beautiful message, beautiful costumes, a beautiful performance.”

Falun Dafa’s Principles Can Help the Next Generation

Liana Finlayson

Liana Finlayson, who works at a university, said the practitioners’ performances were lovely because of the bright colors and energy. She was also inspired by Falun Dafa’s principles.

“These are all very important. Everyone who lives with these principles will have fewer issues,” she said. “I think we should instill these values in children at a young age, such as primary school. They would certainly help our children.”