New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani joined thousands of revelers in Queens to celebrate Phagwa, the Indo-Caribbean festival of Holi, and participated in a vibrant parade that brought color, music and tradition to the streets of Richmond Hill.Mamdani participated in the 38th annual Phagwa Parade on Sunday and celebrated the festival by marching with Hindu New Yorkers. Holi symbolizes the love between Hindu deities Radha and Krishna, and also marks the arrival of light, colors and spring.In a post shared on He said this year’s parade looks more vibrant than ever before and added that New York City is ready to welcome spring while wishing happiness and harmony for everyone.The parade began at Liberty Avenue and 133rd Street and proceeded west along Liberty Avenue before turning north at 124th Street. It then proceeded east on 97th Avenue and ended at Smokey Oval Park, also known as Phil Rizzuto Park, where celebrations continued after the parade with large community participation.Phagwa, the Indo-Caribbean name for Holi, attracts thousands of people to Liberty Avenue each year and holds deep significance for the Indo-Guyanese community. Rooted in Hindu tradition, the festival celebrates the victory of good over evil through the story of Prahlad and Holika, which is marked by Holika Dahan on the eve of the festival. The use of colors on the following day represents renewal, the arrival of spring and hope for a good harvest, showing its connection to the agricultural cycle and new beginnings.Over time, Phagwa has expanded beyond its religious origins in places such as Guyana, developing into a widespread national celebration celebrated in communities of various ethnic backgrounds. For Indo-Guyanese people, it is a symbol of faith and a symbol of cultural identity, while also promoting values such as forgiveness, love and social harmony.