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Thursday, Mar 19, 2026
Outside the box.
Thousands Turn Out in Richmond to Support Buddhist Monks’ Long Walk for Peace En Route to Washington
On the 100th day of their 2,300-mile journey from Texas to the U.S. capital, Buddhist monks are greeted by massive crowds as they carry their message of compassion and unity northward
On Monday in Richmond, Virginia, thousands of residents turned out along city streets to welcome a group of Buddhist monks making a cross-country pilgrimage to Washington, D.C., as part of their “Walk for Peace.” The monks, who began their 2,300-mile journey from Fort Worth, Texas, in late October, marked the 100th day of their trek with a large public gathering in the state capital.
Local and state officials, including Governor Abigail Spanberger and Richmond Mayor Danny Avula, joined the crowds in greeting the walkers and celebrating the message of unity and mindfulness they bring.
The procession of monks, part of the Dhammacetiya tradition, passed from Richmond Fire Station 17 toward City Hall, drawing an estimated ten thousand people who lined the route despite chilly winter conditions.
Many in the crowd offered flowers or simply watched in reverent silence as the monks, clad in traditional robes, walked with calm determination.
The event was officially recognised by the governor as “Walk for Peace Day” in Virginia, highlighting the broad community support behind the initiative.
During a public address at City Hall, lead monk Bhikkhu Paññākāra emphasised that peace begins within each individual and radiates outward to communities and society at large.
The monks’ journey, accompanied by a symbolic rescue dog, Aloka, has been documented on social media, where millions have followed their progress and shared messages of encouragement.
Supporters have gathered at multiple waypoints along the route in recent weeks, reflecting a nationwide resonance with the pilgrimage’s themes of compassion, reflection and nonviolence.
Following their Richmond stop, the monks continued north toward other Virginia towns and ultimately to the United States Capitol, where they are expected to arrive around February ten.
The long-distance walk has drawn attention not only for its scale but for its peaceful intent, drawing people of diverse backgrounds who have walked alongside the monks, offered support or simply lined streets in solidarity.
As they approach Washington, their message of mindfulness and unity continues to captivate communities along the way.
Local and state officials, including Governor Abigail Spanberger and Richmond Mayor Danny Avula, joined the crowds in greeting the walkers and celebrating the message of unity and mindfulness they bring.
The procession of monks, part of the Dhammacetiya tradition, passed from Richmond Fire Station 17 toward City Hall, drawing an estimated ten thousand people who lined the route despite chilly winter conditions.
Many in the crowd offered flowers or simply watched in reverent silence as the monks, clad in traditional robes, walked with calm determination.
The event was officially recognised by the governor as “Walk for Peace Day” in Virginia, highlighting the broad community support behind the initiative.
During a public address at City Hall, lead monk Bhikkhu Paññākāra emphasised that peace begins within each individual and radiates outward to communities and society at large.
The monks’ journey, accompanied by a symbolic rescue dog, Aloka, has been documented on social media, where millions have followed their progress and shared messages of encouragement.
Supporters have gathered at multiple waypoints along the route in recent weeks, reflecting a nationwide resonance with the pilgrimage’s themes of compassion, reflection and nonviolence.
Following their Richmond stop, the monks continued north toward other Virginia towns and ultimately to the United States Capitol, where they are expected to arrive around February ten.
The long-distance walk has drawn attention not only for its scale but for its peaceful intent, drawing people of diverse backgrounds who have walked alongside the monks, offered support or simply lined streets in solidarity.
As they approach Washington, their message of mindfulness and unity continues to captivate communities along the way.
