Amrutkaal What is Rahu Kaal?
Rahu Kaal (also written Rahu Kalam or Rahu Kala) is a period of roughly ninety minutes that occurs every day, considered ruled by Rahu — the shadow planet of eclipses. Tradition holds it inauspicious for beginnings: new ventures, journeys, signing agreements, weddings. It is probably the single most-checked item in the daily panchang.
How Rahu Kaal is calculated
Divide the time between local sunrise and sunset into eight equal parts. One part — selected by the weekday — is Rahu Kaal: the 8th part... in fact the assignment runs Monday 2nd part, Tuesday 7th, Wednesday 5th, Thursday 6th, Friday 4th, Saturday 3rd, Sunday 8th. With a 6:00–18:00 sun, that yields the familiar approximations — Monday 7:30–9:00, Friday 10:30–12:00, Sunday 16:30–18:00.
Because it is built from actual sunrise and sunset, Rahu Kaal shifts every day and differs between cities. In June, Rahu Kaal in London is computed from a 16-hour day; in Chennai from a 12½-hour one. This is why our site computes it per city — the "standard" times printed on generic websites are only correct for a hypothetical 6-to-6 day.
What to avoid — and what is fine
Traditionally avoided: starting anything new — a business, a journey, a purchase of consequence, a ceremony. Generally considered fine: continuing work already underway, routine duties, and anything that cannot wait — the tradition restricts beginnings, not life. Many south Indian traditions also observe Yamaganda and Gulika Kaal, computed the same way with different weekday parts; Gulika is actually considered favourable by some schools.
The story behind Rahu
In the Puranic account, Rahu is the asura who drank the nectar of immortality in disguise; the Sun and Moon exposed him, Vishnu severed his head — and the immortal head (Rahu) and body (Ketu) became the eclipse points that periodically swallow the luminaries. Rahu's period of the day inherits that disruptive symbolism: a time when undertakings may not unfold as planned.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rahu Kaal the same time every day?
No. The weekday selects which eighth of the daytime it is, and the actual clock times depend on your city's sunrise and sunset that day. It must be looked up daily — see the Rahu Kaal page for your city on this site.
Can I travel during Rahu Kaal?
Tradition discourages STARTING a journey in Rahu Kaal; a journey already underway is not affected. Many people simply step out a few minutes before it begins, or wait for it to end.
Is Rahu Kaal observed at night?
Classical Rahu Kaal applies to daytime (sunrise to sunset). A night-time equivalent (Ratri Rahu Kaal) exists in some traditions but is far less commonly observed.