Police Point To Damage, Litter After Diwali Celebration In North Carolina

India-West News Desk

MORRISVILLE, NC — The Morrisville Police Department said illegal fireworks set off at Church Street Park following Diwali on October 21 damaged the park’s cricket field and left a significant amount of litter, creating safety risks for visitors and disrupting local sports programs.

In a Facebook post, police reminded residents that private use of fireworks is prohibited on Morrisville parks, greenways and other public property unless a permit has been issued. Police cited the town Code of Ordinances — Article II, Section 18-48 and Section 18-44 — noting that permits require approval from the Town of Morrisville and the Wake County Fire Marshal.

The department also warned that certain fireworks are illegal to sell or possess under North Carolina law, specifically naming firecrackers, ground spinners, bottle rockets, Roman candles and aerial fireworks. Officials said the restrictions exist because of safety concerns and local noise ordinances.

Several people who commented on the police post described a heavy, sustained burst of fireworks during the evening. “I was there between 6:30–8:00 playing volleyball and the amount of fireworks going off was insane,” one commenter wrote, adding they assumed the activity was a sanctioned Diwali use of the park and therefore did not call police at the time. Other residents posted frustrations about the cleanup, with one asking, “Why can’t they clean up afterwards?”

Members of the Indian American community also weighed in, expressing embarrassment and urging accountability while distinguishing the broader community from the actions of a few. 

A representative of the “Morrisville Indians” group noted the organization has “adopted Church Street Park since 2020” and conducts regular cleanups with adult and teen volunteers, stressing that many community members “genuinely care and strive to give back to the community.” 

Another commenter called leaving trash behind “irresponsible” and said violators should be prosecuted, while a separate voice suggested allowing regulated Diwali fireworks for one evening within a designated time window.

Other suggestions from commenters included better coordination between event organizers and the parks department — such as classifying large celebrations as “major events” that require organizers to arrange for post-event cleaning — and the use of town surveillance cameras to identify those responsible. 

“As an Indian American who celebrates Diwali, I will say it’s NOT right to use public facilities for fireworks, especially when it’s banned due to safety reasons,” one commenter wrote, thanking the Morrisville Police Department for calling attention to the hazard.