The Walk for Peace USA was a long-distance pilgrimage in the United States initiated by Buddhist monks from the Hương Đạo Vipassana Bhavana Center in Fort Worth, Texas, to Washington, D.C., promoting peace, compassion, and nonviolence.
The walk began on October 26, 2025, and spanned approximately 2,300 miles (3,700 km). They arrived in D.C. on February 10, 2026, after 108 days. The monks were accompanied by a dog named Aloka, who became a symbolic figure throughout the journey.
The monks documented their travels on multiple social media platforms. Since creating their Facebook page on November 8, 2025, it has grown rapidly, reaching 1 million followers on January 11, 2026, and 2 million just 11 days later. They have 2.9 million followers on Facebook and 1.9 million followers on Instagram as of March 24, 2026.
Background The pilgrimage was organized by a group of 24 monks from the Theravada Buddhist tradition, affiliated with the Hương Đạo Vipassana Bhavana Center in Fort Worth, TX initiated by Bhikkhu Paññakāra. Inspired by the teachings of Gautama Buddha, the Walk for Peace aimed to raise "awareness of peace, loving kindness, and compassion across America and the world."
Route and progress
The walk began in Fort Worth, Texas, following a route through the southeastern United States, passing through states including Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia. Their path then went north through the Carolinas and Virginia before concluding in Washington, D.C. The monks maintain a walking pace of more than 20 miles a day. They usually started their walk between 6:30 to 7:00 AM.
A "peace sharing talk" was held by them at their lunch break every day, weather permitting. Another talk was conducted at their night rest stop, in addition to visiting opportunities for the public. Three of the monks, including the head monk Venerable Bhikkhu Paññākāra, chose to make part of the trek barefoot.
They handed out "peace bracelets" to those they encounter, a Buddhist symbol of protection and blessings.
The walk was positively received in various communities, with local news outlets and social media users highlighting the unique sight of the group traveling on foot in traditional robes.
Traffic accident On November 19, 2025, while the monks were walking along U.S. Highway 90 near Dayton, Texas, a truck struck the group's escort vehicle. The impact pushed the escort into two monks walking on the roadside, and resulted in serious injuries to two monks. One monk, Phra Ajarn Maha Dam Phommasan, suffered significant trauma and was transported by helicopter to Memorial Hermann Hospital, in Houston. Jesse, a lay volunteer who was invited to join the monks when the Walk for Peace began in Texas,Living in World Facebook post on February 1, 2025 received treatment by ambulance for less severe injuries.
Venerable Bhante Dam Phommasan's injuries were severe enough that he underwent surgery in early December, which resulted in the amputation of the shank, or lower half, of his leg, and foot. According to statements from the Walk for Peace community, he recovered under medical care and remained in good spirits. Despite his injuries, organizers indicated that the group would continue the pilgrimage and requested continued support and compassion from followers. After healing, Jesse returned to the road continuing the journey with the same heart and dedication.
In early January 2026, the injured monk returned to Wat Lao Buddha Khanti in Snellville, GA and reunited with the Walk for Peace group after his recovery.
Accolades The venerable monks have received numerous accolades from government officials in the form of executive proclamations, legislative resolutions, certificates of recognition, commemorative plaques, and a sheriff's commendation.
They have also received a number of challenge coins, pins, and badges — most notably from the sheriff, police, and fire departments whose service members have escorted them along their journey.
The first-ever Joint Proclamation between Clayton County, the Clayton County Chair and Board of Commissioners, and the Mayors, was issued in honor of the monks.
North Carolina Governor Josh Stein became the first U.S. Governor to meet with the venerable monks. Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger became the second U.S. governor to meet with the venerable monks, and issued her first-ever proclamation as governor in their honor.
DateJurisdictionOfficialAccolade10/19/2025TexasState Representative Salman BhojaniHouse Resolution.10/26/2025Fort Worth, TXCity Council Member Deborah PeoplesSpecial Recognition.Haltom City, TXMayor An TruongProclamation of Walk for Peace Day.TexasState Representative Nicole CollierHouse Resolution.11/5/2025Austin, TXDirector of Community Engagement Philip DulinProclamation of Walk for Peace Day.11/6/2025Manor, TXCouncil Member Anne WeirProclamation of Walk for Peace Day.11/12/2025Brookshire, TXMayor Robert RichardsProclamation.11/14/2025TexasState Representative Suleman LalaniHouse Resolution.12/2/2025Pineville, LAMayor Joseph E. BishopProclamation.12/5/2025Natchez, MSAlderwoman Felicia Bridgewater-IrvingCertificate of Recognition.12/7/2025Port Gibson, MSMayor Willie A. WhiteResolution of Recognition and Appreciation.12/10/2025Jackson, MSDirector of Communications Nic LottProclamation of Greetings and Support.12/14/2025Meridian, MSMayor Percy Bland IIIProclamation.12/19/2025Selma, ALMayor Johnny Moss IIIProclamation.12/23/2025AlabamaState Representative Phillip EnslerHouse Resolution.State Representative Kenyatté HassellHouse Resolution.Montgomery, ALMayor Steven L. ReedProclamation of Walk for Peace.12/29/2025Clayton County, GAClayton County Chairwoman Dr. Alieka Anderson-HenryJoint Proclamation.Morrow, GAMayor John LamplLovejoy, GAMayor Marci FluellynRiverdale, GAMayor Evelyn Wynn-DixonForest Park, GAMayor Angelyne ButlerJonesboro, GAMayor Donya SartorLake City, GAMayor Ronald DodsonCollege Park, GAMayor Bianca Motley Broom12/30/2025GeorgiaUS Representative Hank JohnsonHouse Resolution.Decatur, GAMayor Patti GarrettProclamation of Day of Peace.12/31/2025Gwinnett County, GAGwinnett County Board of Commissioners Chairwoman Nicole Love HendricksonProclamation.Keys to the county, presented to Phra Ajarn Maha Dam Phommasan.1/10/2026Columbia, SCMayor Daniel RickenmannProclamation of Walk for Peace Day.South CarolinaState Senator Deon TedderProclamation of Walk for Peace Day.1/11/2026Fairfield County, SCChairman of the Fairfield County Council Clarence GilbertCommemorative plaque.Ridgeway, SCMayor Rick JohnsonProclamation of Appreciation and Support.Blythewood, SCMayor Sloan J. Griffin IIICommemorative plaque.1/12/2026Great Falls, SCMayor Keevi WorthyCertificate of Recognition.1/10-15/2026Charlotte, NCCouncilwoman Dimple AjmeraProclamation of Walk for Peace Week.1/18/2026Thomasville, NCMayor Pro Tempore JacQuez JohnsonProclamation.1/19/2026High Point, NCMayor Cyril JeffersonProclamation.Greensboro, NCMayor Marikay AbuzuaiterProclamation of Walk for Peace Day.1/21/2026Siler City, NCMayor Donald A. MatthewsProclamation.1/22/2026Pittsboro, NCMayor Kyle ShippProclamation of Walk for Peace Day.1/23/2026Apex, NCMayor Jacques K. GilbertProclamation of Walk for Peace Day.County of Wake, NCSheriff Willie L. RoweSheriff's commendation.1/24/2026Raleigh, NCMayor Janet CowellProclamation of Walk for Peace Day.North CarolinaGovernor Josh SteinProclamation of Walk for Peace Day.2/2/2026VirginiaState Delegate Irene ShinHouse Resolution.State Senator Jennifer BoyskoSenate Resolution.Richmond, VAMayor Danny AvulaProclamation.VirginiaGovernor Abigail SpanbergerProclamation of Walk for Peace Day.2/3/2026Henrico County, VABoard of Supervisors Chair Roscoe D. Cooper IIIProclamation.2/6/2026Stafford County, VAChairman of the Stafford County Board of Supervisors Deuntay DiggsProclamation of Walk for Peace Day.2/7/2026Dumfries, VAMayor Derrick R. WoodProclamation of Walk for Peace.2/9/2026Alexandria, VAMayor Alyia GaskinsProclamation.Arlington County, VAChair of the Arlington County Board Matt De FerrantiKeys to the county.2/10/2026Washington, D.C.Secretary of the District of Columbia Kimberly A. BassettProclamation.2/11/2026New YorkAssemblymember Edward L. GibbsAssembly Resolution recognizing Walk for Peace Day.2/12/2026MarylandPresident of the Senate Bill FergusonSenate Resolution.Speaker of the House Joseline Peña-MelnykHouse Resolution.Montgomery County, MDFaith Community Liaison Kate ChanceCertificate of Recognition and Appreciation.Annapolis, MDMayor Jared LittmanProclamation of Walk for Peace Day.Anne Arundel County, MDAnne Arundel County Executive Steuart PittmanProclamation of Walk for Peace Day.MarylandLieutenant Governor Aruna MillerProclamation of Walk for Peace Day.2/14/2026Fort Worth, TXCity Council Member Deborah PeoplesProclamation.2/23/2026UtahState Senator Luz EscamillaCitation recognizing Venerable Douangphaneth Mingsisouphanh and Venerable Vilasak Chaleunsouk.
Aloka the Peace Dog
A key figure in the Walk for Peace is Aloka, a stray dog from India, who joined a prior peace walk in India and later became part of the U.S. pilgrimage. He is often seen walking ahead of the group or resting alongside them and has developed a significant following on social media.
A post from the Walk for Peace's official Facebook page announced that Aloka would undergo veterinary surgery at the Charleston Veterinary Referral Center (CVRC) free of charge for a chronic leg issue on January 12, 2026. A problem with his cranial cruciate ligament (CCL), described as common in dogs, required a tibial plateau-leveling osteotomy (TPLO). He will be having restricted mobility as part of a gradual recovery process, and would be back in "two or three days" to continue the walk with brief stretches.
Gallery
Walk locations DayDateDestinationNotes110/26/2025Burleson, TXKickoff ceremony at Hương Đạo Vipassana Bhavana Center. Lunch in Fort Worth, Texas.210/27/2025Grandview, TXLunch in Alvarado, Texas.310/28/2025Hillsboro, TXLunch in Itasca, Texas.410/29/2025West, TX510/30/2025Robinson, TXPrayer ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park in Lacy Lakeview, Texas.610/31/2025Troy, TXLunch Stop: McBrayer Park in Lorena, Texas.711/1/2025Belton, TXLunch in Temple, Texas.811/2/2025Georgetown, TXLunch in Salado, Texas.911/3/2025Austin, TX1011/4/2025Full Moon recitation of the Patimokkha at 5:00 PM.1111/5/2025Ceremony at the Texas State Capitol.1211/6/2025Elgin, TXLunch in Manor, Texas.1311/7/2025Paige, TX1411/8/2025Ledbetter, TX1511/9/2025Carmine, TX1611/10/2025Bellville, TX1711/11/2025Brookshire, TX1811/12/2025Katy, TX1911/13/2025Houston, TX2011/14/2025Welcome ceremony at Hong Kong City Mall in Houston, TX with Texas state representatives and Houston city officials.