Monks 'Walk for Peace' reaches DC

Monks on 'Walk for Peace' arrive in DC

A group of Buddhist monks have reached Washington, D.C., on foot Tuesday, completing a cross‑country peace walk that began in Texas. FOX 5's Homa Bash has more. 

WASHINGTON - A group of Buddhist monks have reached Washington, D.C., on foot Tuesday, completing a cross‑country peace walk that began in Texas.

What we know:

Nineteen monks launched the Walk for Peace on Oct. 26, 2025, from the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center in Fort Worth. They come from Theravada Buddhist monasteries around the world and are led by Pannakara, vice president of the Fort Worth temple.

"This physical journey may be reaching its destination, but the walk for peace continues always—in each of us, through each of us, for all beings everywhere. Thank you so much for walking with us," the group posted on Facebook Tuesday. "May you and all beings be well, happy and at peace."

Nearly 3,500 people packed American University’s Bender Arena for the monks’ first public stop in Washington. Instead of the usual sports‑arena cheers, the crowd stayed silent as the monks entered, a gesture of respect for their presence and their message of peace.

Monks 'Walk for Peace' reaches DC

A group of Buddhist monks have reached Washington, D.C., on foot Tuesday, completing a cross‑country peace walk that began in Texas.

Monks Walk for Peace on the move to DC

A group of Buddhist monks is expected to arrive in Washington, D.C., on foot Tuesday, completing a cross country peace walk that began in Texas.

Monks Walk for Peace set to arrive in DC Tuesday

A group of Buddhist monks is expected to reach Washington, D.C., on foot Tuesday, completing a cross country peace walk that began in Texas.

The monks plan to mark the final days of their journey with public appearances at Washington National Cathedral on Tuesday afternoon and the Lincoln Memorial on Wednesday.

While in the nation's capital, the monks plan to submit a request asking lawmakers to recognize Vesak — Buddha’s birthday — as a national holiday, though Pannakara and others stress that is not the purpose of the walk.

Long Si Dong, a spokesperson for the temple, said the walk is not a political movement and is not focused on advocacy or legislation.

"It’s a spiritual offering, an invitation to live peace through everyday actions, mindful steps and open hearts," he said. "We believe when peace is cultivated within, it naturally ripples outward into society."

What's next:

Their message of peace has resonated with people across the country, offering a moment of calm amid conflict and political division.

FOX 5’s Melanie Alnwick reports that each morning began with a prayer of thanks for the many faith organizations that have hosted the monks along the way. Monday’s trek through Alexandria and Arlington drew crowds lining the route, bringing flowers, signs and hope that the monks’ message of peace will take hold.

D.C. police issued a traffic advisory warning of rolling road closures along the route to keep the monks and spectators safe.

Here’s Tuesday’s schedule:

• 7:00 a.m.: Walk begins
• 9:30–10:45 a.m.: Public event at Bender Arena
• Lunch stop: National United Methodist Church (invitees only)
• 1:00–2:30 p.m.: Interfaith ceremony at Washington National Cathedral
• 2:30 p.m.: Unity Walk on Embassy Row
• Evening: Night stop at George Washington University (private event)