(Minghui.org) Falun Gong practitioners in Russia held a series of events last weekend in multiple cities across the country to celebrate the 18th annual World Falun Dafa Day. Practitioners demonstrated the exercises and handed out informational materials, including handmade paper lotus flowers – traditional symbols of purity. They also collected signatures on a petition calling for an end to the 18-year persecution of Falun Gong in China.

This report includes events in Krasnodar, Zheleznovodsk, Nizhny Novgorod, Irkutsk, Angarsk, Krasnoyarsk, Ulan-Ude, and Tomsk.

Demonstrating the exercises in Krasnodar.A passerby signs a petition in support of Falun Gong's peaceful resistance.

The celebration in Zheleznovodsk included waist drum and lion dance performances, a signature campaign, and exercise demonstration.

Demonstrating the exercises in Nizhny Novgorod.

Celebrating World Falun Dafa Day in Irkutsk.

Practitioners from Irkutsk wish Master Li Hongzhi, the founder of Falun Gong, a happy birthday.

Celebrating World Falun Dafa Day in Angarsk.

Demonstrating the exercises in Krasnoyarsk.

Practitioners in Ulan-Ude performed the dragon dance at the World Falun Dafa Day celebration.

The World Falun Dafa Day event in Tomsk.

Chinese version available