A group of Buddhist monks has arrived in Washington, D.C., on foot, concluding a 15-week peace walk that began in Fort Worth, Texas, on 26 October 2025. The monks, led by Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara, crossed the Chain Bridge into the District of Columbia shortly after 8 a.m. on Tuesday, accompanied by their rescue dog Aloka.
The walk, which covered approximately 2,300 miles, has drawn widespread attention across the United States. Thousands of people lined roadsides in often unusually cold weather to witness the monks' quiet procession. The Metropolitan Police Department issued a traffic advisory for rolling road closures along the monks' route to ensure safety for participants and spectators.
During their two-day stay in the capital, the monks plan to submit a request to lawmakers to declare Vesak—the Buddha's birthday—a national holiday. However, spokesperson Long Si Dong emphasised that the walk is not a political movement, but a spiritual offering to invite peace through mindful steps and open hearts.
The journey was not without peril. In November, outside Houston, a truck struck the monks' escort vehicle, injuring two monks; one required a leg amputation. Despite such challenges, many monks, including Pannakara, walked barefoot or in socks for most of the journey to stay present in the moment.
The monks will mark the final days of their Walk for Peace with outdoor appearances at Washington National Cathedral on Tuesday and the Lincoln Memorial on Wednesday. An interfaith reception will be hosted by Washington Episcopal Bishop Mariann Budde. After an appearance at Maryland's Capitol, a bus will return the monks to Fort Worth, where they are expected to arrive early on Saturday.
