Punjabi Music Closes Zohran Mamdani's Inauguration Ceremony In New York, Video Goes Viral

What

was meant to be a celebratory and culturally rich moment at New York City Hall has now spilled into an online debate, after a Punjabi music performance at Zohran Mamdani’s inauguration went viral.Mamdani, 34, who was sworn in on January 1 as New York City’s first Muslim mayor, wrapped up his inauguration ceremony with a live Punjabi performance by Toronto-based artist Babbulicious. The unexpected musical finale quickly caught the internet’s attention, with clips from the event circulating widely on social media.

With roots spanning continents, Mamdani was born to an Indian mother and a Ugandan father of Indian origin, the newly sworn-in mayor has consistently leaned into his South Asian identity. Throughout his campaign, he actively engaged the desi diaspora, whether by releasing a campaign video in Hindi or playing the Bollywood hit ''Dhoom Machale'' during his victory speech. The Punjabi performance at his inauguration was seen by supporters as a continuation of that cultural outreach.The event itself featured a diverse musical lineup reflecting New York’s multicultural fabric. DJ mOma opened the ceremony, followed by Grammy-winning singer Lucy Dacus performing “Bread and Roses.” Actor Mandy Patinkin and the PS22 Chorus of Staten Island delivered a rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” before Babbulicious took the stage to close the evening.Babbulicious performed the Punjabi track “Gaddi Red Challenger,” as Mamdani, his wife Rama Duwaji, and hundreds of attendees were seen dancing and enjoying the moment. The atmosphere appeared festive, with many in the crowd embracing the blend of politics and cultural expression.However, not everyone online reacted positively. As videos from the performance gained traction, a section of social media users objected to Punjabi music being played at the inauguration of New York City’s mayor. Alongside praise and applause, the viral clips also attracted criticism and hate-filled comments, turning the celebratory moment into yet another flashpoint in the ongoing conversation around identity, representation, and inclusivity in public life.