Rahu Kalam Today — What It Is and What to Avoid

Rahu Kalam (also spelled Rahu Kaal or Raahu Kaalam) is a period of approximately 90 minutes each day that is considered inauspicious in Vedic astrology. During Rahu Kalam, starting new ventures, important tasks, or auspicious activities is traditionally avoided.

What is Rahu?

Rahu is one of the nine celestial bodies (Navagraha) in Vedic astrology. Unlike the physical planets, Rahu is a shadow planet — it represents the north lunar node, the point where the Moon's orbit crosses the ecliptic. In mythology, Rahu is the head of a demon who swallows the Sun during eclipses.

Rahu is associated with confusion, obstacles, deception, and unexpected disruptions. The period ruled by Rahu each day carries these qualities.

How is Rahu Kalam Calculated?

Rahu Kalam is calculated by dividing the daytime (sunrise to sunset) into 8 equal parts. Each part is assigned to a planet. The part assigned to Rahu varies by the day of the week:

• Monday: 2nd period (7:30 AM – 9:00 AM approx.)
• Tuesday: 7th period (3:00 PM – 4:30 PM approx.)
• Wednesday: 5th period (12:00 PM – 1:30 PM approx.)
• Thursday: 6th period (1:30 PM – 3:00 PM approx.)
• Friday: 4th period (10:30 AM – 12:00 PM approx.)
• Saturday: 3rd period (9:00 AM – 10:30 AM approx.)
• Sunday: 8th period (4:30 PM – 6:00 PM approx.)

Note: Exact timings vary by your city's sunrise and sunset. Use our Rahu Kalam calculator for precise timings for your location.

What to Avoid During Rahu Kalam

• Starting a new business or venture
• Signing important contracts or agreements
• Beginning a journey or travel
• Performing auspicious ceremonies (puja, griha pravesham)
• Making major purchases (property, vehicles, gold)
• Starting new medicines or treatments

What You CAN Do During Rahu Kalam

Rahu Kalam doesn't mean you should stop everything. These activities are perfectly fine:

• Continuing work already in progress
• Routine daily tasks
• Praying to Lord Shiva or Durga (considered protective against Rahu)
• Meditation and spiritual practice

A Helpful Memory Aid

To remember the Rahu Kalam order for each day, use the mnemonic: "Mother Saw Father Wearing The Turban Smartly" — Monday, Saturday, Friday, Wednesday, Thursday, Tuesday, Sunday — representing the 2nd through 8th periods respectively.