It is a 3,701-kilometre journey from Fort Worth, Texas, to Washington, DC, which started in October 2025. A map on the Walk for Peace Facebook page provides live updates on Aloka's and the monks' current whereabouts.
Aloka has become an internet sensation for his loyalty. Image courtesy: alokathepeacedog/Instagram
Aloka may not fall into the category of dogs people usually prefer. His breed is uncertain - as per many, he is likely an Indian Pariah dog. The meaning of Aloka in Sanskrit is "divine light" or "inner clarity." His age is estimated around four years. This stray dog has no birth record and no known owner, yet Aloka's story has resonated wider than that of pedigreed dogs.
Aloka has now become an internet sensation for his loyalty to the monks, as he walks with them day after day, matching their pace through heat and fatigue.
We take a look at the journey of this stray dog that walked for a hundred days in search of peace.
Aloka's breed
According to an official Facebook page, 'Aloka the Peace Dog,' which has over six hundred thousand followers, Aloka is likely to be an Indian Pariah dog. "Many people often ask about Aloka’s breed! While we aren't exactly sure, we estimate he is about 4 years old and likely an Indian Pariah dog," the post reads.
Now, the Indian pariah dog is not an ordinary canine, how? According to an India Express report, they are regarded as one of the oldest landrace breeds. The pariah dog is considered to have existed in the Indian subcontinent for nearly fifteen-thousand years. They are resilient, intelligent, and well-adapted to tropical climates, according to Genetic studies, the report noted.
An Indian stray dog named Aloka has joined Buddhist monks on a 3,700 km Walk for Peace across the US. Image courtesy: alokathepeacedog/Instagram
Pariah dogs have historically maintained a quiet but respected presence in Indian society. As per an Indian Express report, they are considered village guardians, best companions in tribal communities and also possess a symbol of loyalty. The Indian Pariah dog, also called an Indie, is known for its amicable nature. Their remarkable stamina allows them to take long walks. They are emotionally sensitive and highly intelligent.
The Peace of Walk, Aloka is taking
This peace walk is a major spiritual outreach. It's an awareness march organised by the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Centre, which is a spiritual pilgrimage across 10 US states. The objective is to deliver the message of peace, prosperity and compassion. The walk is not a part of a protest or political rally; however, it is a process of meditation.
What makes Aloka different from other Indian stray dogs is not his strength or speed, but the unconditional trust he conveys by accompanying a group of Buddhist monks on a 3,700 km "Walk of Peace."
Aloka has become both a participant and a mascot in this extraordinary journey. Image courtesy: alokathepeacedog/Instagram
He followed the monks during their peace march in India. What began as a temporary connection turned into a long-lasting companionship. Aloka continued to walk alongside Buddhist monks for more than 100 days in India, as reported by The Times of India (TOI).
"His journey is truly special—he was once a stray wandering in India who began following the Venerable Monks. He walked with them for over 100 days across India, very much like the #WalkForPeace we are on today! Though his exact birthday remains a mystery, his loyalty and peaceful spirit are clear to everyone he meets," the Facebook post reads.
After his adventure in India, Aloka joined a nineteen-member monk group for the peace walk from Fort Worth last October and is scheduled to conclude in Washington, DC, in February. The walk is a 120-day, about 2,300-mile journey built on the principles of non-violence, inner harmony and solidarity, reported NDTV.
In a social media post, monks wrote, “He (Aloka) is a constant presence, a true disciple of the path, and a living reminder that all beings walk toward peace.” Aloka has served as both a companion and a mascot on this remarkable journey.
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Monks' companion undergoes surgery
The Citizen Times reported that Aloka underwent surgery for a leg injury. During their journey, Aloka, the dog, was treated at the Charleston Veterinary Referral Centre in South Carolina. In a TikTok video, monks explained that this injury occurred when Aloka was a stray dog in India. Aloka the Peace Dog Facebook page also confirmed the same.
The monks asserted, as quoted by the Citizen Times, "It healed well, and he has been doing great throughout this journey, but we noticed signs of discomfort and wanted to address it immediately so he can fully recover."
"The surgery, performed on Jan. 12, was successful, and Aloka has now begun a careful and gradual recovery process," the monks added.
The Facebook post also informed that he can walk for up to ten minutes at a time, and a maximum of six times each day for the first week after his surgery.
Internet calls Aloka's journey 'inspirational'
Soon after marching alongside the monks, Aloka's photos and videos became social media sensations. People reacted emotionally, calling the stray dog's journey truly "inspirational."
One user described him as a "Noble guardian!", adding, "He's just happy to be there! Bless Aloka and bless the venerable monks always." While others emotionally reacted, "The sound of the venerable monks chanting and Aloka's face make my day peaceful!"
Another user commented, "Aloka is curing my seasonal depression. But seriously, he carries such a wonderful, calm energy, just like his venerable brothers."
Even some went on to describe Aloka as "goodwill ambassador of the group." "To me, he is the goodwill ambassador of the group, an embodiment of compassion that extends to all forms of life, without distinction between human and animal," the user mentioned.
Aloka's journey truly reminds us of the concept of peaceful living and the connection mankind shares with animals.
With inputs from agencies
