The inauguration of Zohran Mamdani as New York City's mayor was unlike any other, creating a historic and viral moment that has captured global attention. The ceremony, held symbolically inside a New York subway station, concluded with an unexpected and joyous Punjabi musical performance, videos of which have set social media ablaze.
A Celebration of Culture and Community
The official oath-taking was just the beginning of the event. Zohran Mamdani made history by becoming New York City's first Muslim mayor, taking his oath on the Quran. The ceremony transformed into a vibrant celebration with a performance by Toronto-based Punjabi artist Babbulicious, who sang his popular track “Gaddi Red Challenger.” Mamdani, alongside his wife Rama Duwaji, was seen enthusiastically singing and dancing, with hundreds of attendees joining in the festive atmosphere.
Babbulicious shared the moment on social media platform X, writing, “NEW YORK VICH MUNDA RENDA!!! Thank you Mr Mayor for having me perform at the inauguration.” This fusion of political ceremony and cultural celebration is being widely viewed as a deliberate and powerful effort by the new mayor to connect with the city's diverse communities, particularly the South Asian diaspora he actively courted during his campaign.
Roots and Outreach: A Multicultural Strategy
Mamdani's outreach to diverse communities is a consistent theme. He frequently highlights his own multicultural heritage: his mother is acclaimed filmmaker Mira Nair, a Punjabi Hindu from India, and his father, Mahmood Mamdani, is a Ugandan of Indian Muslim descent. His campaign strategy included releasing a Hindi Bollywood-inspired election video and even playing the iconic track “Dhoom Machale” during his victory speech. The Punjabi performance at the inauguration is seen as a natural extension of this inclusive approach.
Politically, Mamdani is known as a fierce critic of former US President Donald Trump. His choice of a subway station for the oath, a space representing the city's bustling, everyday life, further underscored his populist and accessible brand of politics.
Netizens React to the 'Random Crossover'
The unique event sparked an immediate and overwhelming reaction online. Social media users flooded platforms with comments, celebrating the unconventional inauguration. One user exclaimed, “The collab we were not ready for, cha gya veerey,” while another called it “truly the best part of the inauguration.” A third popular comment read, “It’s Mr Mayor’s world and we all are living in it,” as many others humorously described the Punjabi performance as a “most random crossover” they never expected to see in New York City politics.
The viral moment signifies more than just a dance; it represents a shift in political pageantry, emphasizing cultural identity and community joy as central to public leadership. Mamdani's inaugural celebration has successfully projected his vision of a New York that embraces and celebrates its rich, global tapestry from day one.
