A video of New York’s newly elected mayor, Zohran Mamdani, celebrating Diwali has gone viral on social media. The video shows the Indian-origin Muslim leader dancing to Bollywood music while wearing what appears to be a kalawa, a red-yellow sacred thread often tied during Hindu rituals.
The clip, featuring Mamdani and content creator Komal Nambiar, has sparked discussions online about his multicultural roots and open embrace of India’s diverse traditions.
The Viral Video
In the video, Mamdani and Nambiar can be seen enjoying Diwali celebrations, holding a piece of sweet while dancing to Bollywood beats. What caught the internet’s attention was the kalawa on Mamdani’s wrist — a thread tied for protection and good fortune according to Hindu customs.
Social media users pointed out the symbolism, with many appreciating how the New York mayor proudly showcases his connection to both Hindu and Muslim heritage.
A Mayor Who Embraces Both Faiths
This isn’t the first time Zohran Mamdani has acknowledged his Hindu lineage. Last month, before the elections, he visited Hindu temples in Flushing, Queens, where he offered prayers and interacted with the local Indian community.
During that visit, Mamdani spoke about being proud of his mixed cultural identity. He said he was raised with an understanding of both Islam and Hinduism — his mother, the acclaimed filmmaker Mira Nair, comes from a Hindu family, while he himself practices Islam.
“I’m proud of my Hindu heritage, I’m proud to be someone who would be the first Muslim mayor of this city, and I’m proud to hold all of those things together,” Mamdani said in an interview with NepYork, a New York-based outlet.
Proud of His Indian Heritage
Mamdani, who is of Indian origin, emphasized the significance of being the first Indian-American mayor of New York City.
He added, “I am proud that I would be the first Indian-American mayor of this city. I am proud of the fact that my mother’s family is Hindu. And I grew up with a keen understanding, whilst myself being a Muslim, what Hinduism means — the stories, the tradition, the faith, the practices.”
Even on his victory day on November 4, Mamdani was spotted wearing the same kalawa on his right hand, once again highlighting the connection to his mother’s roots.
Who Is Zohran Mamdani?
Born to filmmaker Mira Nair and academic Mahmood Mamdani, Zohran Mamdani is known for his strong political stances and community outreach.
He previously served as a New York State Assembly member representing Queens before being elected as New York City’s mayor.
Mamdani has vowed to improve multilingual communication, strengthen immigrant support systems, and “oppose federal immigration enforcement” in the city.
