Diwali, Holi, Raksha Bandhan Taught Me Many Of My Values: Mamdani During Temple Visits

Photos: Screengrab Instagram

India-West News Desk

FLUSHING, NY — “The stories… and practices of Diwali, Holi, and Raksha Bandhan taught me many of the values I hold so dear today,” said New York City Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, as he addressed reporters during his visit to the Ganesha Temple here on October 5.

Mamdani, whose mother is the acclaimed Oscar-nominated filmmaker Mira Nair, spoke warmly about his maternal family’s Hindu heritage and the lessons he learned growing up in a multicultural household. “My mother’s family is Hindu,” he said. “Even while being Muslim myself, I grew up with a deep understanding of what Hinduism means.”

The visit, organized by the group Hindus4Zohran, drew attendees who greeted Mamdani with applause and chants of support. “When I meet the members of this mandir, I hear the names of my own family,” he told them, describing the moment as deeply personal. “To be here and to meet with so many in the Hindu community who have been showcasing what seva looks like for so many decades oftentimes without recognition – I am proud I would be the first Indian American mayor of this city,” he added.

Mamdani, who represents Queens in the New York State Assembly, will be on the November 4 ballot for mayor against independent candidate and former governor Andrew Cuomo, and Republican Curtis Sliwa. Polls have shown Mamdani leading since he secured the Democratic nomination in June. If elected, he would become New York City’s first South Asian, Indian, and Muslim mayor.

Speaking to reporters after his temple visit, Mamdani said he was proud to celebrate the city’s diversity and its status as a sanctuary city. “It’s time to have a mayor who is proud of what that means,” he said. “I am proud of my Hindu heritage. I am proud to be someone who would be the first Muslim mayor of this city—and I am proud to hold all of those things together as we deliver this vision.”

Mamdani also visited the BAPS temple, where he received a similarly warm welcome from community members.