The Buddhist monks' 3,700-kilometer Walk for Peace has reached its 83rd day, aiming to convey messages of mindfulness and peace, and to urge the U.S. to recognize Vesak Day as a national holiday, amid warm public welcomes.
The "Walk for Peace" project by Buddhist monks in the United States, traveling over 3,700 kilometers from Fort Worth, Texas, toward Washington, D.C., continues to attract ongoing interest. The journey has now reached day 83.
On 16 January 2026, the monks were traveling through North Carolina, moving from Concord to China Grove, greeted warmly by local residents who offered support and encouragement along the route.
On this day’s schedule, the monks stopped for lunch at Mt Olivet United Methodist Church in Concord before resting overnight at the China Grove Community Memorial Building & Parks, where the public was invited to meet, talk, and participate in scheduled activities.
The walk aims to promote mindfulness, mental healing, and peace, despite challenges including a road accident that injured two monks earlier. Rescue dog "Aloka" has accompanied the group throughout the mission, which is scheduled to conclude in mid-February.
Upon reaching Washington, D.C., the monks plan to present a petition urging the U.S. government to officially recognize Vesak Day—the day commemorating Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and passing—as a national public holiday.
The public can follow the monks’ progress and route in real time via an online map shared on the project’s social media pages.
/source:walkforpeace
Click to read news about the Walk for Peace