Zohran Mamdani incorporated elements of his South Asian heritage during his New Year's Day inauguration as New York Mayor. He acknowledged his parents, film director Mira Nair and Professor Mahmood Mamdani, and relatives in Delhi. The ceremony included prayers from various religious leaders, and Mamdani referenced his heritage in his speech, mentioning biryani and a Punjabi phrase. Singer Babbulicious performed a song blending Punjabi and English.