Rahu Kaal: what it is, how it is calculated and what to avoid
AstroVeds · Updated 12 November 2026
Rahu Kaal (Rahu Kalam) is a period of about one and a half hours every day that is considered inauspicious for starting anything new. Its timing changes every day and from city to city, because it depends on local sunrise and sunset.
How Rahu Kaal is calculated
The daytime — from local sunrise to sunset — is divided into eight equal parts. One of those eight parts is Rahu Kaal, and which one depends on the weekday. With a 12-hour day each part is 90 minutes; in winter it is shorter and in summer longer.
- Monday: 2nd part (about 7:30–9:00 am)
- Saturday: 3rd part (about 9:00–10:30 am)
- Friday: 4th part (about 10:30 am–12:00 pm)
- Wednesday: 5th part (about 12:00–1:30 pm)
- Thursday: 6th part (about 1:30–3:00 pm)
- Tuesday: 7th part (about 3:00–4:30 pm)
- Sunday: 8th part (about 4:30–6:00 pm)
Why the clock times differ
The times above assume a 6:00 am sunrise and 6:00 pm sunset. In Delhi in winter the sun rises near 7:00 and sets near 5:30, so every part is shorter and shifts later. That is why you should look up Rahu Kaal for your own city and date, not use a fixed table.
What to avoid in Rahu Kaal
Tradition advises against starting new things during Rahu Kaal:
- Starting a business, signing an agreement or making a big purchase.
- Griha pravesh, engagement or other auspicious ceremonies.
- Beginning a journey (if you must, many people start a little before Rahu Kaal).
What is fine
Work already in progress can continue. Routine tasks, and worship of Rahu, Durga or Bhairav, are not affected; some people specifically do Rahu shanti during Rahu Kaal. Gulika Kaal and Yamaganda are two other daily periods worked out the same way, and are also avoided for new beginnings.
Try it yourself
Frequently asked questions
Is Rahu Kaal at the same time every day?
No. It falls in a different eighth of the day for each weekday, and the clock times move with sunrise and sunset through the year and between cities.
Is there Rahu Kaal at night?
The commonly followed Rahu Kaal is for daytime only. Some texts also divide the night, but most calendars and families use the daytime period.
Where can I see today's Rahu Kaal?
Our Rahu Kaal page shows today's time for your city, and the Panchang lists it along with Gulika and Yamaganda.