A Diwali celebration in New Jersey turned into an online controversy after a video of Indian students bursting fireworks on a public street drew criticism from social media users. The short clip, uploaded by 20-year-old Mukul Verma, showed a group of young people celebrating the festival of lights when local firefighters arrived and began spraying water on the fireworks. What was intended to be a joyful cultural celebration soon became a subject of heated online discussion over safety, legality, and cultural conduct abroad.
The video, which has now garnered thousands of views across platforms, shows Verma and his friends lighting fireworks on a residential street. Moments later, a fire brigade arrives and uses a hose to extinguish some of the firecrackers. Several bystanders can be heard expressing surprise, while others continue to record the scene on their phones. Within hours, the clip spread widely, with many users condemning what they saw as an act of irresponsibility.
Social media users quickly voiced strong opinions. Some accused the group of ignoring local regulations and displaying poor civic sense. Comments such as “Are you proud of yourself?” and “This is why people get frustrated with NRIs” reflected the wave of disapproval. Others pointed out the mess left on the streets, writing that such behavior tarnishes the image of Indians living overseas. One user wrote, “Look how dirty they’ve made the road,” while another commented, “Diwali is about lights, not chaos.”
Amid the growing criticism, Mukul Verma released a clarification to counter what he described as misinformation spreading online. In a follow-up video and post, he explained that the Diwali event had been organized with proper permissions from local authorities. “Just to clarify, this Diwali celebration was fully permitted by the state, and fireworks were officially allowed,” he said. “The city arranged all necessary safety measures, including roadblocks, an ambulance, and a fire brigade. Someone in the crowd unexpectedly lit skyshots that weren’t part of the plan, which prompted the firefighters to spray water for safety reasons, not to stop the event.”
Verma further mentioned that the local police were present at the location to ensure order and manage the crowd. He urged people to verify information before forming opinions. “Please don’t spread hate,” he said. “Diwali is about light, love, and unity. We followed all rules, and the situation was handled safely.” His statement drew mixed reactions—some users appreciated his clarification and urged others not to jump to conclusions, while others remained skeptical about the justification.
The incident has reignited discussions about how cultural festivities should be conducted in foreign countries, particularly when they involve public spaces and potential safety concerns. Several community members emphasized that while celebrating one’s culture abroad is important, it should always align with local laws and customs. Others argued that the backlash reflected growing scrutiny of immigrant behavior on social platforms, where even minor incidents can escalate into viral controversies.
In recent years, many cities in the United States have imposed restrictions on the use of fireworks, especially in residential areas, due to safety risks and noise complaints. While Diwali celebrations have gained increasing visibility across the country, authorities have encouraged community events to be held in designated areas rather than on public streets.
For many Indian Americans, Diwali represents a cherished connection to their roots—a time to share culture, joy, and light. But the New Jersey incident highlights the fine line between cultural expression and compliance with local laws. As debates continue online, Verma’s experience serves as a reminder of how easily festive moments can turn controversial in the age of social media.
Despite the backlash, several users later voiced support for Verma, noting that his intentions were not malicious and that misunderstandings can often lead to exaggerated criticism. Some even praised him for clarifying the situation calmly instead of engaging in online disputes. “At least he handled it maturely,” one user wrote. “People should get the full story before judging.”
The episode underscores the challenges faced by members of the Indian diaspora in balancing cultural traditions with the expectations of their host societies. As Diwali continues to grow as a global celebration, the conversation around responsibility, awareness, and cultural sensitivity remains more relevant than ever.
