New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani posted a video on Wednesday showing him celebrating Holi and making rangoli with a group of young children.
“I did a rangoli today with the cutest New York at a home provider in South Richmond Hills – one of the first neighborhoods to get 2K free spots this fall,” Mamdani wrote on Instagram, sharing a video celebrating the festival of colors.
Mamdani wishes Happy Holi
Born to a Hindu mother and a Muslim father, Mamdani also recalled her childhood memories of playing Holi.
“Growing up, Holi was more than just a celebration of spring – it was an embrace of joy in all its colors. Today felt like home,” Mamdani said.
The mayor also wished a colorful Holi to New York’s Hindu communities and said he looked forward to universal childcare in the city soon.
“We wish New York’s Hindu communities an extra colorful Holi. We look forward to warm weather and universal childcare,” he said.
Universal childcare was one of Mamdani’s key campaign promises during his mayoral campaign.
Free 2-K Child Care Program
Earlier on Wednesday, Mamdani and New York State Governor Kathy Hochul launched the “2-Care” initiative, a major milestone in achieving universal child care. The program offers free childcare for two-year-olds, starting with 2,000 spots in the fall. All New York families, regardless of zip code, income or immigration status, will be eligible for this free universal child care.
Communities receiving New York City 2-K locations
School District 6: Washington Heights, Inwood and Hamilton Heights, as well as parts of Manhattanville
School District 10: Fordham, Belmont, Norwood, Marble Hill, Morris Heights, Riverdale, Spuyten Duyvil, Van Cortlandt Village and Kingsbridge, as well as parts of Kingsbridge Heights, Bedford Park, Mount Hope, Claremont-Bathgate & East Tremont
School districts 18 and 23: Canarsie, Rugby-Remsen Village, Brownsville and Ocean Hill, as well as parts of East Flatbush-Farragut and Prospect Lefferts Garden-Wingate
School District 27: Ozone Park, South Ozone Park, Richmond Hill, Woodhaven, Howard Beach and the Rockaways, as well as parts of Lindenwood and Springfield Gardens North
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How the four communities were selected
According to the mayor’s office, the first four communities were selected based on economic need, projected demand for child care, existing gaps in access, capacity and readiness of providers.
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“These first 2,000 places are designed to serve families in the most needy neighborhoods while ensuring that programs are run responsibly and sustainably, with an inclusive approach for children with disabilities and families in temporary housing, including shelters,” the company said.
Services will commence in September 2026
Services will begin in September 2026, with rolling enrollment through the fall to accommodate children turning two at different times of the year. In the coming days, the city will begin planning efforts with child care centers and family child care providers in these four communities.
Making universal childcare a reality
According to Governor Hoch, to complement New York’s rollout of 2-K, the state will continue to expand access to high-quality child care programs across the state through a variety of models in 2025, saving New York families billions of dollars annually.
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“It takes a village to raise a child — and it takes a city government willing to step in and address the child care crisis,” Mamdani said. “We’re eight days closer to making universal child care a reality. This fall, 2,000 New York City 2-year-olds will have a better future because of it. Launching free 2-K in these four boroughs is just the beginning of our work to put money back in the pockets of New Yorkers, strengthen our entire economy, and help more families build a life here.”
Key things
- The introduction of 2-K seats for two-year-olds in NYC is a significant step toward universal child care.
- The initiative aims to support families in the most needy neighborhoods and ensure an inclusive approach for all children.
- Celebrating cultural events like Holi encourages community involvement and highlights the mayor’s commitment to diverse communities.
