Punjabi Beats at City Hall: Zohran Mamdani’s New York Inauguration Ends with Music | Viral Video Breaks the Internet in 24 Hours
Zohran Mamdani’s inauguration ceremony on January 1 ended with a performance from Punjabi artist Babbulicious
Zohran Mamdani’s inauguration ceremony on January 1 ended with a performance from Punjabi artist Babbulicious. Mamdani, 34, was sworn in as the first Muslim mayor of New York City on Thursday.
Born to an Indian mother and a Ugandan father of Indian origin, Mamdani frequently appealed to the desi diaspora during his campaign — including filming a video in Hindi and having Dhoom Machale play during his victory speech.
The Punjabi performance was the latest in a series of nods to his South Asian roots.
The musical lineup at Zohran Mamdani’s inauguration included welcome music from dj mOma, Grammy-winning singer Lucy Dacus performing “Bread and Roses”, Mandy Patinkin and PS22 Chorus of Staten Island performing “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”, and Babbulicious right at the end.
Babbulicious, a Toronto-based artist, performed the Punjabi song “Gaddi Red Challenger” at the inauguration. Mamdani was seen grooving to the song along with wife Rama Duwaji and hundreds of New Yorkers who turned up for his inauguration.
However, a section of the internet objected to Punjabi music playing at the inauguration ceremony for the mayor of New York.
As footage of Babbulicious’s performance went viral, it also drew hate comments.
“Zohran Mamdani’s inauguration in New York City has music that’s not even in English and Muslim men on stage that look like they’re in Afghanistan. Buckle up America. This is the Islamic takeover of America,” read one post on the social media platform X.
“Are NYers really going to put up with this? I am guessing we will see major backlash soon,” Republican Josh Barnett predicted.
Several people, however, also pointed out that the singer is a Sikh, not Muslim.
“I oppose Mamdani. But the guy is a Sikh singing a Punjabi song,” read one comment. “First of, you just want to spread hate which is why you didn’t do your homework and just trying to make people panic. Second, this is a Punjabi song and this guy is Sikh,” another said.
New York politics witnessed an unexpected cultural moment as Zohran Mamdani’s inauguration ceremony concluded with Punjabi music, a scene that has since gone viral across social media platforms. The video, showing traditional Punjabi beats playing at the end of an official New York inauguration event, has triggered widespread reactions — ranging from applause and pride to surprise and debate — turning a routine political ceremony into a global viral moment.
Zohran Mamdani, a prominent progressive leader and member of the New York State Assembly, was sworn in amid a formal ceremony attended by fellow lawmakers, supporters, community leaders, and members of the public. While the oath-taking followed established protocol, it was the ceremony’s closing moments that caught everyone off guard.
As the event wrapped up, Punjabi music filled the venue, instantly transforming the atmosphere. Attendees were seen smiling, clapping, and recording the moment on their phones, while others appeared visibly surprised. Within hours, clips of the ceremony flooded platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and YouTube, where the video amassed thousands of views and reactions.
The viral clip resonated for several reasons. First, it highlighted the growing cultural diversity within American politics, particularly in a city like New York, known for its immigrant communities. Punjabi music — often associated with high-energy celebrations — is rarely heard at formal political events, making the moment stand out instantly.
Second, Mamdani’s own political identity played a role. Known for his grassroots activism and multicultural outreach, the inauguration’s musical ending was widely seen as a reflection of his inclusive worldview. Supporters described it as a symbolic gesture that acknowledged South Asian and immigrant communities, many of whom form a key part of New York’s social fabric.
Online reactions were swift and polarized. Many users praised the moment as “refreshingly authentic”, celebrating the blending of politics and cultural expression. Supporters said the Punjabi music represented the changing face of American leadership, where elected officials openly embrace their roots and the communities they represent.
“This is what representation looks like,” one user wrote, while another commented, “New York politics finally has a beat.”
However, critics questioned whether such cultural displays were appropriate for an official government ceremony. Some argued that inaugurations should remain strictly formal, while others accused Mamdani of politicising culture. The debate itself only fueled the video’s reach, pushing it further into viral territory.
The moment has sparked a broader conversation about cultural expression in public office. In recent years, political events in the US have increasingly reflected multicultural identities — from multilingual speeches to faith-based ceremonies. Mamdani’s inauguration now joins that growing list, becoming a case study in how modern leaders navigate tradition and representation.
Political analysts note that younger voters, in particular, respond positively to leaders who embrace authenticity over convention. The viral Punjabi music clip aligns with a shift toward politics that feels more relatable and less rigid.
Zohran Mamdani has built a reputation as a progressive voice in New York politics, focusing on issues such as housing justice, public transport affordability, and workers’ rights. He has consistently emphasized community-driven politics, often engaging directly with diverse neighborhoods and grassroots organisations.
For many of his supporters, the inauguration’s ending was not a gimmick but a continuation of his political style — one that seeks to bridge cultures rather than compartmentalize them.
While the Punjabi music lasted only a few moments, its impact has been far-reaching. The viral video has been shared internationally, drawing attention not only to Mamdani but also to how political spaces are evolving in multicultural democracies.
Whether viewed as celebratory or controversial, the moment underscores a larger reality: politics today is no longer confined to rigid formats. Cultural expression, identity, and symbolism increasingly shape how leaders connect with the public.
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