Honouring the Walk for Peace in Washington

On 10 February 2026, the Most Venerable Katugastota Uparatana Nayaka Thera joined Buddhist and interfaith leaders at Washington National Cathedral to welcome the monks of the historic Walk for Peace as they reached the nation’s capital.

Led by the Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara, nineteen Theravada Buddhist monks had travelled approximately 2,300 miles on foot from Fort Worth, Texas, to Washington, D.C., over 108 days. Their pilgrimage carried a simple but profound message: peace, unity and kindness begin within each person and may radiate outward to families, communities and society.

Later, during the concluding programme at American University, Bhante presented an honorary plaque to Venerable Pannakara and the Maha Sangha on behalf of the Sri Lankan Buddhist Viharas of America. The plaque honoured their faithful observance of the Theravada Buddhist path and their extraordinary offering of peace, compassion, discipline and wisdom to the American people.

Maryland Buddhist Vihara was honoured to share in this welcome and recognition. May the monks’ example continue to inspire mindfulness, goodwill and harmony across the United States and beyond.

🙏 Sadhu! Sadhu!! Sadhu!!!


Read more: Maryland Matters · NPR · Washingtonian