The Buddhist monks, led by Bhikkhu Pannakara, spent Thursday night at ZMax Dragway before continuing their 2,300-mile journey, which began at the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center in Fort Worth, Texas. They are traveling all the way to the United States capitol in Washington D.C. and documenting their travels, drawing massive crowds everywhere they go.
While in the city, they also reunited with a rescue dog named Aloka, who was accompanying the monks before undergoing surgery for an injury sustained in an earlier peace walk. The dog
Walking up Bruton Smith Boulevard, the group handed out flowers as they were welcomed by thousands of people supporting their journey.
Welcome to the speedway, Walk For Peace. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/Y2LCIi3nTg
— Charlotte Motor Speedway (@CLTMotorSpdwy) January 16, 2026
This pilgrimage was organized by 19 monks with the stated goal of spreading "awareness of peace, loving kindness, and compassion across America and the world."
They have already passed through Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, and arrived in North Carolina on Wednesday. Three of the monks have even chosen to undertake the journey while barefoot.
After resting up at the speedway, they continued northward for the next leg of their peace march.
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