Central Park Memorial Marks 40 Days Since Fatal Carriage Incident

Family and friends of 18-year-old Romanch Mahajan gathered at Central Park’s Cherry Hill fountain on Monday to observe a 40-day memorial, a significant period of remembrance in the Hindu tradition. The service followed the teenager's death earlier this summer after he was thrown from a horse-drawn carriage.

In the wake of the tragedy, Mahajan’s parents have been vocal in their advocacy for legislative change, urging the New York City Council to phase out the use of horse-drawn carriages. The proposed legislation, commonly referred to as "Romanch's Law," would prohibit carriage rides throughout the city. If passed, the bill would prevent the renewal of two-year operating licenses for the city’s 68 active carriages, effectively ending a practice that has been a fixture in New York for over 150 years.

Proponents of the ban argue that the measure is a necessary step to enhance public safety. According to advocates, there have been eight serious incidents involving horse-drawn carriages within the last two years alone.

While the administration has acknowledged the gravity of the situation, the path forward remains complex. Mayor Zohran Mamdani has expressed support for the underlying intent of the legislation but has also voiced concerns regarding the potential economic impact on the workers whose livelihoods are tied to the carriage industry. As the City Council considers the bill, the debate continues to balance public safety concerns against the preservation of a long-standing local industry.