Mayor Mamdani Celebrates Holi With Toddlers, Highlights Free Child Care Rollout
Photo: Screenshot/abc7ny.com
India-West News Desk
NEW YORK, NY – Mayor Zohran Mamdani joined young children and caregivers in South Richmond Hill to celebrate Holi, sharing memories of the spring festival while highlighting a new effort to expand free childcare across the city.
The mayor visited Lucy’s Rainbow Daycare on March 4, where he spent time with toddlers making rangoli designs to mark the colorful Hindu festival celebrating the arrival of spring and the spirit of joy and renewal. The home-based childcare center is among thousands of similar providers expected to play a role in the city’s early childhood education expansion.
In a video shared on Instagram, Mamdani was seen sitting with children as they created rangoli patterns together.
Reflecting on his childhood, Mamdani who was born to Hindu mother Mira Nair, the fame filmmaker, spoke about the festival’s deeper meaning. “Growing up, Holi was more than just a celebration of spring – it was an embrace of joy in all its colors. Today felt like home,” he said.
He also extended greetings to Hindu residents across the city. “Wishing New York City’s Hindu communities an extra colorful Holi. Looking forward to warm weather and universal childcare soon,” he added.
The visit also highlighted the rollout of the first phase of the city’s program to provide free childcare for two-year-olds. Earlier this week, Mamdani and Kathy Hochul announced the launch of the “2 Care” initiative, aimed at moving New York City toward universal childcare.
Under the first phase, about 2,000 toddlers will receive free full day childcare beginning this fall. The rollout will include School District 27 in Queens.
