Buddhist monks complete 2,300-mile Walk for Peace in Washington, D.C.

Nineteen Theravada Buddhist monks ended a 15-week, 2,300-mile Walk for Peace in Washington, D.C., where thousands and an online audience gathered for an interfaith welcome; the group planned a procession through Capitol Hill and a closing ceremony at the Lincoln Memorial.

A group of 19 Buddhist monks arrived in Washington, D.C., on February 10, concluding a 15-week pilgrimage that began in Texas in late October. The journey covered about 2,300 miles and attracted growing crowds across several southeastern states. The monks came from Theravada monasteries around the world and were accompanied on the walk by their rescue dog, Aloka. Organizers and participants described the walk as a collective call for peace. Event details: - The walk lasted roughly 108 days and covered an estimated 2,300 miles from Texas to Washington, D.C. - The group included 19 monks from Theravada Buddhist communities and traveled with a rescue dog named Aloka. - On arrival in D.C., nearly 3,500 spectators and more than 100 other Buddhist monks and nuns greeted the procession. - Dozens of faith leaders attended the interfaith welcome, including Washington Episcopal Bishop Mariann Budde, and about 20,000 viewers watched an online livestream from several countries. - The monks posted expressions of gratitude on social media and described the journey as sustained by public kindness and support. - The group planned to walk through Capitol Hill on Feb. 11, hold a closing ceremony at the Lincoln Memorial, then travel by bus to Fort Worth and finish with a final six-mile walk to their temple. Summary: The walk drew attention from local communities, faith leaders, and an international online audience, reflecting the group's public appeal for peace. The immediate next events included a Capitol Hill procession and a closing ceremony at the Lincoln Memorial, followed by travel back to Fort Worth and a final on-foot return to the temple.