Taiwan: Falun Dafa Association and the Divine Land Band Recognised for the Second Year in a Row

Keelung Mayor Chang Tong-rong issued awards to groups participating the Mid-Summer Ghost Festival Parade on the morning of October 20th, 2008. The Falun Dafa Association in Taiwan received the First Class Award and twenty thousand Taiwan dollars last year. This year it was recognised with the Top Quality Award and fifty thousand Taiwan dollars. The Divine Land Marching Band earned the Best Group Spirit Award and ten thousand Taiwan dollars again this year.

Group picture of award recipients, Mayor Chang Tong-rong (fourth from right) and Deputy Mayor Ko Shuei-yuan (third from right). Mr. Hsiao Sung-shan (fourth from left) represented the Falun Dafa Association

The Mid-Summer Ghost Festival has a history of 154 years. In the past two years, Falun Dafa's procession has received a great amount of attention, particularly the Divine Land Band. This year the Falun Dafa Association added a float with the theme "The Fa Boat Sets Sail. Sentient Beings Are Saved." The float, the Celestial Maidens Dance troupe, the Divine Land Band, and the Falun Gong practitioners' procession made for a spectacular scene. More than ten thousand practitioner-made paper lotuses were distributed along the route.

Tens of thousands of people saw the parade on the street, and local TV stations broadcast it live. Falun Gong was a common topic of discussion for the Keelung citizens. Many expressed their praise and admiration for the parade. Deputy Mayor Mr. Ko Shuei-Yuan praised the Divine Land Band for its precision, peaceful spirit, and exciting music.