News & Politics
Thousands Welcome Buddhist Monks in DC After Their 2,300-Mile Walk for Peace

The monks were greeted with flowers, prayers, and a ceremony at Washington National Cathedral. Tomorrow they head to Capitol Hill and the Lincoln Memorial.

Written by Samantha Skolnick | Photographed by Evy Mages | Published on February 10, 2026


Nineteen Venerable Buddhist monks arrive at the Washington National Cathedral, February 10, 2026. Photograph by Evy Mages.

After 108 days of walking, 19 Venerable Buddhist Monks reached DC today. The group, which started their journey on October 26 in Fort Worth, Texas, had a series of stops in their first full day in Washington, including an Interfaith Ceremony at the Washington National Cathedral with religious leaders including Reverend Mariann Budde.



Led by Venerable Bhikkhu Paññākāra, the group was greeted by thousands of onlookers, who came to watch as the pilgrimage reached the cathedral. The monks were met with flowers and signs thanking them for spreading peace.

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Tomorrow, the monks plan to start walking at 9:30 AM to Capitol Hill, followed by a walk to the Lincoln Memorial at 1:30 PM and a “Peace Gathering and Concluding Ceremony” at the memorial at 2:30 PM.

They will board a bus on February 12 to return to Fort Worth.