In photos: Zohran Mamdani’s swearing-in features wife Rama, US senators and Punjabi music

Zohran Mamdani was sworn in as New York City's 112th mayor, with a promise to transform the government and bring “new politics”. 

Published on: Jan 02, 2026 12:47 PM IST

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Mamdani’s inauguration ceremony on January 1 ended with a performance from Punjabi artist Babbulicious. The musical lineup opened with DJ mOma, followed by Grammy winner Lucy Dacus performing “Bread and Roses” and Mandy Patinkin joining the PS22 Chorus of Staten Island for “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” The event closed with Babbulicious. The Toronto-based artist performed the Punjabi song “Gaddi Red Challenger,” as Zohran Mamdani danced alongside his wife, Rama Duwaji, with hundreds of attendees cheering along. (File Photo)

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New York City Public Advocate Jumanee Williams reacts while he speaks during New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's inauguration ceremony in New York City, US. (REUTERS)

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Mamdani was officially sworn in at midnight by New York Attorney General Letitia James at the Old City Hall subway station in a private ceremony.  (Getty Images via AFP)

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New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani and his wife Rama Duwaji after his ceremonial inauguration as mayor at City Hall Thursday January 1, 2026 in New York. (Getty Images via AFP)

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Mamdani has added a "block party" to the official inauguration events to allow thousands of New Yorkers to take part.  (Getty Images via AFP)

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A person attends the Inauguration for a New Era Block Party in New York City on January 1, 2026 as Mayor Zohran Mamdani takes office.  (AFP)

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Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) speaks during Zohran Mamdani 's inauguration as the 112th mayor at City Hall on Thursday January 1, 2026 in New York. (Getty Images via AFP)

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Confetti rains down on the crowd during New York mayor Zohran Mamdani's public inauguration ceremony followed by a block party at City Hall in New York. (AFP)

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Mayor Zohran Mamdani reacts during his inauguration ceremony,  (AP)

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A screen shows Zohran Mamdani on the day of his inauguration as the new Mayor of New York City, in New York City. (REUTERS)

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A screen shows Zohran Mamdani on the day of his inauguration as the new Mayor of New York City. (REUTERS)

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U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., left, administers the oath of office to Mayor Zohran Mamdani, right, as Rama Duwaji, center, holds the Quran during Mamdani's inauguration ceremony. (AP)