A river of lamps along the Ganga. Here is how to get from New Zealand to Varanasi for one of India’s most beautiful nights, without the stress.
Quick answer: when is Dev Deepawali 2026, and how do I get there from NZ?
Dev Deepawali falls on Kartik Purnima, around Tuesday 24 November 2026. A few calendars say 25 November, so confirm locally before you lock in plans. From New Zealand, fly to Delhi, then take a short domestic flight or a train to Varanasi. Arrive a day or two early. Hotels near the ghats and boats for the evening fill fast, so book them as soon as your flights are set.
What is Dev Deepawali?
Dev Deepawali means “the Diwali of the gods”. It is celebrated in Varanasi on Kartik Purnima, the full moon about two weeks after Diwali.
As the sun goes down, the ghats along the Ganga are lit with lamps, step after step, as far as you can see. Prayers and aarti fill the air, and the river glows with light. For many people it is a once-in-a-lifetime sight.
This year it falls on the same day as Guru Nanak Jayanti. So if your family also celebrates Gurpurab, it is a special day twice over.
Getting from New Zealand to Varanasi
There is no simple way to fly straight from New Zealand to Varanasi. The easiest plan is to fly to Delhi, rest, then travel on. Here is how it usually works.
Step | How it works | Good to know |
1. New Zealand to Delhi | From Auckland, usually with one stop. We also book from Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown. | Auckland to Delhi from NZD 920 per person, checked 28 Sep 2026. Prices change daily. |
2a. Delhi to Varanasi by air | A short domestic flight to Varanasi airport. | The quickest option. Leave a good gap after your international arrival. |
2b. Delhi to Varanasi by train | Daytime express trains or overnight sleeper trains. | Festival trains fill up. Book as early as bookings open. |
3. Into the old city | A pre-arranged transfer to your hotel. | Roads near the ghats get very busy. Ask your hotel how close cars can reach. |
Visiting family in Punjab on the same trip? Delhi connects well to the north too. Our guide to flights Auckland to Amritsar explains the options.
A sample 10-day Dev Deepawali trip from NZ
This plan gives you time to rest after the long flight and a buffer day before the big night. Adjust it to your flight times and the confirmed festival date.
Day | Plan |
Thu 19 Nov | Fly out of Auckland. |
Fri 20 to Sat 21 Nov | Arrive in Delhi. Rest, see family, get over the jet lag. |
Sun 22 Nov | Fly or take the train to Varanasi. Check in near the ghats. |
Mon 23 Nov | Sunrise boat ride, walk the ghats, watch the evening Ganga Aarti. |
Tue 24 Nov | Dev Deepawali (confirm locally). Head to your viewing spot or boat early. |
Wed 25 Nov | A slow morning. An optional half-day trip to Sarnath. |
Thu 26 Nov | Travel back to Delhi. |
Fri 27 to Sat 28 Nov | Fly home to New Zealand. |
6 tips for Dev Deepawali in Varanasi
1. Book flights and your hotel early
Varanasi gets very busy for Dev Deepawali. Hotels close to the ghats are often the first to go. Once your flights are booked, sort your stay straight away.
2. Book your boat ahead
Watching the lamps from the river is the highlight for many visitors. Book a boat through your hotel or a trusted local operator. Confirm the price, the timing and life jackets before the day.
3. Build in a buffer day
Do not plan to land in Delhi and reach Varanasi on the festival day itself. One delay could mean missing the whole evening. A spare day keeps it calm.
4. Get to the ghats early
Crowds build through the afternoon. Arrive early, agree on a meeting point with your group, and keep phones charged.
5. Pack light layers
Late November evenings in Varanasi can feel cool, especially on the water. A light jacket or shawl is a good idea.
6. Students and education staff: use MannPass
Verified students, teachers, lecturers and education staff in New Zealand can join MannPass for free and get $25 off selected return flights between New Zealand and India. It is valid for 30 days, renewable, and cannot be combined with other offers.
Who this trip suits, and travelling with family
Late November falls before the NZ summer school holidays. That makes Dev Deepawali a good fit for retirees, couples, adult children travelling with their parents, and anyone who can take a short break outside the December rush.
Travelling with elderly parents? Many ghats have steep steps. Choose a hotel with a lift, and ask us to request wheelchair assistance at the airports.
Bringing children? The crowds are large. Hold hands, put your phone number in their pocket, and pick a meeting point.
Check your documents. New Zealand passport holders need an Indian visa or OCI card. Apply well before you fly.
Check official advice. Read the latest India advice on SafeTravel and consider registering your trip.
Spread the cost. Ask us about flexible payment options such as PayLite and Afterpay.
Why book your Dev Deepawali trip with Mann Travel?
Our team is based in Papatoetoe, Auckland, and we specialise in flights between New Zealand and India. We speak Hindi, Punjabi and English, and we are on call 24/7, so help is there if a connection changes on the way. We plan trips for families and groups every day, and we can book your flights from Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch or Queenstown. Questions? Contact our team.
See the Ganga glow this November.
Search live fares to Delhi at manntravel.co.nz/flights or call our Auckland team on 09 973 1940. We will help you plan the whole journey.
frequently asked questions
When is Dev Deepawali in 2026?
Around Tuesday 24 November 2026, on Kartik Purnima. Some calendars give 25 November, so confirm locally before you travel.
How do I get to Varanasi from New Zealand?
Fly to Delhi, then take a short domestic flight or a train to Varanasi. Allow a rest day in Delhi after the long flight.
How many days do I need for Dev Deepawali from NZ?
About 8 to 10 days works well. That covers the long flights, a rest day, a buffer day and two or three nights in Varanasi.
Do I need to book a boat in advance?
Yes, we recommend it. Boats for the festival evening are in high demand. Book through your hotel or a trusted local operator.
Is Dev Deepawali the same as Diwali?
No. Diwali comes first. Dev Deepawali is about two weeks later, on the full moon of Kartik, and is celebrated mainly in Varanasi.
Festival dates follow the lunar calendar and can differ between sources. Fares and availability change daily and depend on the airline, date and fare type. Always check live prices and local dates before booking.
