New York mayor Zohran Mamdani joins Hindu New Yorkers for Navarātri and Durgā Pūjā after Illinois temple plot
The mayor danced garba, performed āratī and watched Sindoor Khelā at temples in Queens, and called for unity against hate.
- Hindustan Times
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said he was "blessed" to join Hindu New Yorkers in Queens celebrating Navarātri, Durgā Pūjā, Dashain and Vijayadaśamī this week, Hindustan Times reported. "We danced garba, performed aarti, witnessed Sindoor Khela, and honored the Goddess Durga," he wrote in a post on X. He linked the visits to the attempted mass shooting at a Hindu temple in Illinois earlier this month.
"It was an honour to come together in joy, faith, and community in temples across our city, especially after the attempted mass shooting at a Hindu temple in Illinois last week," he wrote, calling for a shared stand against hate. Pictures and videos showed him dancing garba with members of the Indian diaspora and joining prayers at temples.
In Illinois, 19-year-old Alexandros Paporakis was arrested on 11 October and charged with making a terrorist threat and unlawful possession of weapons. Prosecutors allege he planned for about two months to target the Sri Venkateswara Swami (Balaji) Temple in Aurora, about 65 km west of downtown Chicago.
They allege he tried to carry out the attack on 11 October but his rifle malfunctioned, and that he described Indian, Jewish and African American people as "subhumans" in an eight-page document. The charges have not been tested in court.
ANI also reported the mayor's remarks and his call for unity.
Key data
Navarātri, Durgā Pūjā, Dashain and Vijayadaśamī events in Queens. Illinois suspect arrested 11 Oct; temple about 65 km from downtown Chicago.
Why it matters
The mayor of the largest US city taking part in Hindu worship weeks after a foiled temple attack sends a signal of public solidarity that Hindu Americans have long asked for.
GK: did you know?
Sindoor Khelā, played on Vijayā Daśamī in Bengali Durgā Pūjā, sees married women smear sindūr on the Devī and on one another before her immersion.
