What is Rahu Kaal?
Rahu Kaal (or Rahu Kalam) is a daily inauspicious window of about 90 minutes, traditionally avoided for beginning anything important. It is not based on planetary position but on a fixed division of the day.
How it is calculated
The daytime — from sunrise to sunset — is divided into eight equal parts. One of those parts is Rahu Kaal; its length is therefore one-eighth of the day (near 90 minutes, longer in summer, shorter in winter). Because it depends on sunrise and sunset, it varies by date and location.
The weekday sequence
Which of the eight slots is Rahu Kaal depends on the weekday, following the order Mon–2nd, Sat–3rd, Fri–4th, Wed–5th, Thu–6th, Tue–7th, Sun–8th part. The first part after sunrise is never Rahu Kaal.
What it is used for
It is a blackout window: people avoid starting journeys, ceremonies, purchases or new work during Rahu Kaal, though ongoing activities are considered unaffected.
Related tools
FAQ
How long is Rahu Kaal?
One-eighth of the day’s length — typically around 90 minutes, varying with the season and your location.
Is Rahu Kaal the same every day?
No. The slot shifts with the weekday, and its exact clock time changes daily with sunrise and sunset.