Just Earth News | @justearthnews | 28 Aug 2026, 10:48 pm Print
Mamdani A woman tying Rakhi on the wrist of New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani during an event in NYC. Photo: Zohran Mamdani/X
New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Friday celebrated the Hindu festival of Raksha Bandhan with members of the Indian expatriate community in the city.
India Home, a community centre serving South Asian seniors, hosted the event.
Sharing pictures and details of the celebration on X, Mamdani wrote, "On Raksha Bandhan, a single thread symbolizes a powerful promise: to protect, support, and stand by one another."
On Raksha Bandhan, a single thread symbolizes a powerful promise: to protect, support, and stand by one another.
— Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@NYCMayor) August 28, 2026
Today I shared in the joy of this ceremony with elders at India Home, where South Asian seniors find community, care, and chosen family.
That spirit extends to our… pic.twitter.com/BODsxkxClB
"Today I shared in the joy of this ceremony with elders at India Home, where South Asian seniors find community, care, and chosen family," he said.
In his Raksha Bandhan message, Mamdani said the spirit of the festival extended beyond families and communities, expressing his commitment to supporting broader efforts to make New York a safer and more affordable city for all residents.
"That spirit extends to our entire city. May we continue to stand by one another as we build a safer, and more affordable city for all," he wrote.
Mamdani is the first Indian-American Muslim to serve as mayor of New York City. He defeated former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo in last year's mayoral election.
- Long meeting with Putin, now Zelenskyy: Trump envoys’ high-stakes Ukraine Mission
- Putin announces 3-day halt to strikes on Ukraine
- Major escalation: Iranian oil tanker targeted by suspected US missiles strike near Kharg Island
- UN votes to promote new world map that more accurately shows Africa’s true size
- Middle East Crisis: US approves $5 billion bomb sale to Saudi Arabia amid Iran war tensions

