Rahu Kaal Today

Rahu Kaal Today in Indian Cities

The displayed timing above is calculated for Delhi (IST). Rahu Kaal in other major Indian cities differs only by 15-30 minutes because India is a single time zone (IST) and sunrise/sunset shift only slightly across the country. Use these approximations and the same day-position rule for your city:

• Mumbai Rahu Kaal: Add about 15-25 minutes to the Delhi time (sunrise is later in Mumbai)
• Bangalore Rahu Kaal: Subtract about 5-10 minutes from the Delhi time (Bangalore has earlier sunrise year-round)
• Chennai Rahu Kaal: Subtract about 10-15 minutes from the Delhi time (closer to the equator, earlier sunrise)
• Kolkata Rahu Kaal: Subtract about 25-30 minutes from the Delhi time (eastern India, sunrise is earliest)
• Hyderabad Rahu Kaal: Use Delhi timing as a close approximation (centrally located)
• Pune Rahu Kaal: Use Mumbai timing (similar longitude)

For the most precise Rahu Kaal in your city, install Om.AI — the app calculates Rahu Kaal, Yamagandam, Gulikai, and the full Hora timeline using your device's location and astronomical sunrise/sunset.

What is Rahu Kaal?

Rahu Kaal (also spelled Rahu Kalam or Rahu Kala) is an inauspicious period of approximately 1.5 hours each day in Vedic astrology, governed by the shadow planet Rahu. In Hindu tradition, Rahu is considered a malefic graha (planet) that can cause obstacles, confusion, and unexpected setbacks. The period of Rahu Kaal is therefore considered unfavorable for initiating any new or important activity.

How is Rahu Kaal Calculated?

Rahu Kaal is calculated by dividing the daytime duration (from sunrise to sunset) into 8 equal parts, known as Muhurtas. Each day of the week has a fixed slot assigned to Rahu:

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

Note: The exact times vary with sunrise and sunset, which change throughout the year. Om.AI calculates precise Rahu Kaal timings based on astronomical sunrise and sunset for Delhi (IST) each day.

What to Avoid During Rahu Kaal

According to Vedic tradition, the following activities should be avoided during Rahu Kaal:

• Starting a new business or venture
• Signing important contracts or documents
• Beginning travel, especially long journeys
• Making major financial transactions or investments
• Performing auspicious ceremonies like weddings or griha pravesh
• Purchasing property, vehicles, or expensive items

What Can You Do During Rahu Kaal?

Rahu Kaal does not mean all activity must stop. Routine work, ongoing projects, spiritual practices, and prayers are generally considered acceptable. In fact, some traditions recommend chanting the Rahu mantra ("Om Bhram Bhreem Bhroum Sah Rahave Namah") or performing Rahu-specific puja during this period to mitigate negative effects.

Rahu Kaal vs. Yamagandam and Gulikai

Rahu Kaal is the most widely observed inauspicious period, but Vedic astrology also recognizes Yamagandam (ruled by Yama, lord of death) and Gulikai Kalam (ruled by Saturn's son). All three are calculated by dividing daytime into 8 parts but use different slot positions. For comprehensive Muhurta analysis, all three should be considered alongside the Panchang.

Planetary Hours (Hora) — Auspicious Timings

While Rahu Kaal tells you when to avoid new beginnings, the Hora system tells you the best time to act. In Vedic astrology, each daytime hour is ruled by one of the seven classical planets in a fixed sequence: Sun, Venus, Mercury, Moon, Saturn, Jupiter, and Mars. The day's first Hora is always ruled by the day lord (e.g., Sunday starts with the Sun Hora, Monday with the Moon Hora).

The 12 daytime hours (sunrise to sunset) are divided into 12 equal Hora periods. Each planet's Hora is suited for specific activities:

• Jupiter Hora: Best for education, religious activities, financial decisions, and starting new ventures
• Venus Hora: Ideal for love, relationships, arts, luxury purchases, and social events
• Sun Hora: Suited for government work, authority matters, and leadership decisions
• Moon Hora: Good for travel, emotional matters, and public-facing activities
• Mercury Hora: Favourable for communication, trade, writing, and intellectual pursuits
• Mars Hora: Use caution — suited only for competitive activities, surgery, or courage-demanding tasks
• Saturn Hora: Use caution — suited for property matters, iron/steel trades, and disciplined work

For best results, choose a Jupiter or Venus Hora that does not overlap with Rahu Kaal. Om.AI shows both Rahu Kaal and Hora timings together so you can plan your day with confidence.

Rahu Kaal — Frequently Asked Questions

What is Rahu Kaal?

Rahu Kaal (also called Rahu Kalam) is an inauspicious period of approximately 1.5 hours each day in Vedic astrology, ruled by the shadow planet Rahu. During this time, it is traditionally advised to avoid starting new ventures, signing contracts, or beginning travel.

What is the Rahu Kaal time today?

Today's Rahu Kaal is shown live at the top of this page, calculated from astronomical sunrise and sunset for Delhi (IST). The window is about 90 minutes long and starts at a different time each day of the week. Use the timer on this page to see when it begins and ends today.

How is Rahu Kaal calculated?

Rahu Kaal is calculated by dividing the daytime (sunrise to sunset) into 8 equal parts. Each day of the week has a fixed position for Rahu Kaal: Monday (2nd), Saturday (3rd), Friday (4th), Wednesday (5th), Thursday (6th), Tuesday (7th), and Sunday (8th).

Is Rahu Kaal the same in Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, and Chennai?

Rahu Kaal differs by 15-30 minutes across Indian cities because sunrise and sunset vary by longitude, even though all of India follows IST. The day-of-week position is the same everywhere. Mumbai is about 15-25 minutes later than Delhi; Bangalore and Chennai are 5-15 minutes earlier; Kolkata is 25-30 minutes earlier. For a precise city-specific Rahu Kaal, the Om.AI app uses your device location.

What is the difference between Rahu Kaal and Rahu Kalam?

Rahu Kaal and Rahu Kalam are the same period — different transliterations of the Sanskrit term. Rahu Kaal is more common in Hindi-speaking regions, while Rahu Kalam is the spelling used in Tamil, Telugu, and other South Indian languages. The calculation and meaning are identical.

What is Aaj Ka Rahu Kaal (today's Rahu Kaal in Hindi)?

Aaj Ka Rahu Kaal means "today's Rahu Kaal" in Hindi. The current day's Rahu Kaal window is displayed at the top of this page, with the start time, end time, and a live status indicator showing whether Rahu Kaal is currently active, upcoming, or already finished.

What should I avoid during Rahu Kaal?

Traditionally, people avoid starting new businesses, signing important documents, beginning travel, making major purchases, and performing auspicious ceremonies during Rahu Kaal. Routine activities and ongoing work are generally considered acceptable.

Where can I check today's Rahu Kaal time for free?

This page shows today's Rahu Kaal time for free, no signup required, updated daily from astronomical sunrise and sunset. You can also see today's planetary hours (Hora) so you know the auspicious windows around Rahu Kaal.

What is the best auspicious time today?

The best auspicious time is determined by the Hora (planetary hour) system. Jupiter Hora and Venus Hora are considered the most auspicious for starting new activities, provided they do not overlap with Rahu Kaal. Om.AI calculates both Rahu Kaal and all 12 planetary hours daily based on astronomical sunrise and sunset.