1 / 11Zohran Mamdani formally began his term as New York City’s 112th mayor with a public swearing-in ceremony outside City Hall on Thursday, January 1, hours after a private midnight oath. The event drew thousands of supporters and set the tone for his administration, with a focus on affordability, inclusion and bold governance. (Image: Reuters)
2 / 11The public ceremony at City Hall | The ceremonial inauguration was held outside City Hall, the seat of New York City government, marking Mamdani’s first official appearance before the public as mayor, PTI reported. (Image: Reuters)
3 / 11Oath administered by Bernie Sanders | US Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont administered the oath of office during the ceremony, formally swearing Mamdani in as New York City’s 112th mayor. (Image: Reuters)
4 / 11Large crowds brave freezing temperatures | Thousands of supporters gathered outside and around City Hall, standing for hours in freezing weather to witness the ceremony and cheer the city’s new mayor, according to PTI. (Image: Reuters)
5 / 11Supporters turn inauguration into a celebration | The public swearing-in was followed by a block-party-style celebration, with supporters wearing pins, hats and T-shirts bearing Mamdani’s name and images. (Image: Reuters)
6 / 11A pledge to govern “expansively and audaciously” | In his address, Mamdani said his administration would govern “expansively and audaciously,” adding that while it may not always succeed, it would never lack the courage to try, PTI reported. (Image: Reuters)
7 / 11Affordability and safety at the core of his agenda | The new mayor said City Hall would deliver an agenda focused on safety, affordability and abundance, and promised that government would reflect the people it represents. (Image: Reuters)
8 / 11A strong message of unity for New Yorkers | Rejecting a city divided by wealth, Mamdani said New York would not be governed for the 1% or as a tale of rich versus poor, but as “eight and a half million cities,” each representing a New Yorker. (Image: Reuters)
9 / 11Emphasis on cultural and religious diversity | Mamdani highlighted the city’s diversity, saying New Yorkers speak many languages and worship in mosques, churches, synagogues, gurdwaras and temples, while many do not worship at all, PTI noted. (Image: Reuters)
10 / 11Family takes centre stage in his speech | Mamdani thanked his parents, who were present at the ceremony, as well as his wife, Rama Duwaji, and expressed gratitude to his family “from Kampala to Dilli” for their support. (Image: Reuters)
11 / 11Limited reference to Donald Trump | Despite sharp criticism during the campaign, Mamdani made only a single reference to former US President Donald Trump during his inauguration speech, focusing instead on unity and shared purpose. (Image: AP)
