Rahu Kaal is one of the eight equal parts of the daytime (sunrise to sunset), assigned to Rahu and avoided for starting new work. Its place changes by weekday — Monday 2nd part, Saturday 3rd, Friday 4th, Wednesday 5th, Thursday 6th, Tuesday 7th, Sunday 8th. With a 6 AM–6 PM day that is, for example, 7:30–9:00 AM on Monday and 4:30–6:00 PM on Sunday. Check your own city’s time daily.
How Rahu Kaal is calculated
The daytime — from local sunrise to local sunset — is divided into eight equal parts. On each weekday one of those parts belongs to Rahu. With a 12-hour day each part is 90 minutes; in winter it is shorter and in summer longer, so Rahu Kaal moves with the season and with your city.
| Weekday | Part of the day | Approximate time (6 AM–6 PM day) |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 2nd | 7:30–9:00 AM |
| Tuesday | 7th | 3:00–4:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 5th | 12:00–1:30 PM |
| Thursday | 6th | 1:30–3:00 PM |
| Friday | 4th | 10:30 AM–12:00 PM |
| Saturday | 3rd | 9:00–10:30 AM |
| Sunday | 8th | 4:30–6:00 PM |
A common memory aid for the order Monday → Sunday by segment (2nd, 3rd … 8th) is “Mother Saw Father Wearing The Turban Suddenly”: Monday, Saturday, Friday, Wednesday, Thursday, Tuesday, Sunday.
Today’s Rahu Kaal for your city
Because it is built on local sunrise and sunset, Rahu Kaal is different in every city. Use the free Rahu Kaal calculator for any place, or the daily pages such as Rahu Kaal in Delhi and Mumbai.
What is avoided — and what is not
- Avoided: starting a new venture, signing a major agreement, a griha pravesh, a purchase meant to last, or setting out on an important journey.
- Not affected: work already under way, routine tasks, and prayer — many people use Rahu Kaal for worship, especially of Durga or Bhairava.
- The custom is strongest in South India; many North Indian panchangs give equal weight to choghadiya and the other muhurat factors.
Yamaganda and Gulika Kaal
Two similar daily windows are also listed in panchangs. Yamaganda is avoided for beginnings much like Rahu Kaal. Gulika Kaal is avoided for some acts, but anything started in it is said to repeat — so it is used for good, repeatable things and avoided for funerals or debts. For the good windows of the day, use choghadiya or the hora.
Frequently asked questions
What is Rahu Kaal?
A daily window — one-eighth of the time from sunrise to sunset — that belongs to Rahu and is avoided for starting new auspicious work. Its position changes with the weekday.
Which part of the day is Rahu Kaal on each weekday?
Monday the 2nd part, Saturday the 3rd, Friday the 4th, Wednesday the 5th, Thursday the 6th, Tuesday the 7th and Sunday the 8th.
Is Rahu Kaal always 90 minutes?
Only when the day is exactly 12 hours. It is one-eighth of the local daylight, so it is shorter in winter and longer in summer, and it differs by city.
Can I pray during Rahu Kaal?
Yes. Prayer and ongoing work are not affected; many people worship Durga or Bhairava during Rahu Kaal. Only new beginnings are avoided.
Part of our guide: Planets & Transits →
For a decision that must start at the right moment, a muhurat chosen for your chart goes further than avoiding Rahu Kaal.
Book a Consultation · ₹5,100 WhatsApp Dr. SharmaThis article is offered as general guidance in the Vedic tradition. Astrology is a tool for reflection and is not a substitute for professional medical, legal or financial advice.
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