A sea of firecracker boxes, heaps of rubbish and powerful water jets trying to wash it all away – that’s what the aftermath of Diwali celebrations in New Jersey looked like. Videos of the littered streets have since fuelled an online debate about civic responsibility among Indians celebrating abroad.

In one of the videos, police personnel can be seen monitoring the situation as people gather to watch authorities clear the affected streets.

Firefighters used powerful water jets to wash away the accumulated firecracker debris and rubbish. The forceful streams of water push the waste along the roads, gradually clearing the stretches covered in discarded materials.

The celebrations caused disruptions to normal movement, prompting police intervention. The footage also drew attention to the cleanup efforts required after the festivities, particularly when fireworks and firecrackers are used on a large scale in public spaces.

Watch the videos here:

The videos have since gained traction online, with social media users debating civic sense among members of the Indian diaspora and questioning the impact of such celebrations on local communities.

Discussions have also touched upon noise levels, firework regulations and the responsibility of people celebrating festivals to respect public spaces.

Interestingly, this is not the first time similar visuals have emerged from New Jersey following Diwali celebrations. A previous incident involving US firefighters spraying water to clear streets after festivities had also gone viral, bringing similar questions about littering and public conduct to the fore.

While Diwali celebrations often involve fireworks, the videos have renewed conversations about the importance of responsible celebrations, particularly in shared public spaces.

The incident has also prompted comparisons with celebrations in India, where firecracker waste, noise pollution and littering remain persistent civic concerns.