Rahu Kalam Today
Saturday, 1 August 2026 — accurate timings calculated from today's sunrise
Timings shown in IST (Indian Standard Time)
✦ See your complete daily Panchang
Rahu Kalam, Choghadiya, Abhijit Muhurat, Tithi, Nakshatra — all for your city
What is Rahu Kalam?
Rahu Kalam (also written Rahu Kaal or Rahu Kaalam) is a daily inauspicious period of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes governed by the shadow planet Rahu. In Vedic astrology, Rahu is one of the nine Navagrahas — a karmic shadow planet associated with ambiguity, illusion, and obstacles. During Rahu Kalam, classical Jyotish texts advise against beginning new ventures, signing agreements, travelling on important journeys, or conducting ceremonies.
Rahu Kalam timings change every day because they are calculated from the actual local sunrise, which varies by city, latitude, and time of year. The day from sunrise to sunset is divided into 8 equal segments, and Rahu governs a specific segment for each day of the week. This means Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai all have different Rahu Kalam timings today.
Rahu Kalam by Day of Week — Segment Reference
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rahu Kalam?
Rahu Kalam (also spelled Rahu Kaal) is an inauspicious period of approximately 90 minutes that occurs every day. It is governed by the shadow planet Rahu and is considered unfavourable for beginning new ventures, signing agreements, travel, or any auspicious ceremony. Classical Vedic texts consistently advise against initiating important actions during Rahu Kalam.
How is Rahu Kalam calculated?
The day (from sunrise to sunset) is divided into 8 equal segments. The specific segment that falls under Rahu's influence depends on the day of the week: Sunday = 8th segment, Monday = 2nd, Tuesday = 7th, Wednesday = 5th, Thursday = 6th, Friday = 4th, Saturday = 3rd. Since sunrise varies by location and date, Rahu Kalam timings are different for every city every day.
Why does Rahu Kalam vary by city?
Rahu Kalam is calculated from the actual local sunrise time, which depends on your latitude, longitude, and the time of year. Delhi's sunrise is approximately 35 minutes earlier than Mumbai's. This means every city has its own Rahu Kalam — using a generic timing for 'India' is inaccurate.
What should I avoid during Rahu Kalam?
Classical tradition advises avoiding: starting a new business or job, travelling (especially long journeys), signing contracts or agreements, conducting marriages or engagements, making major purchases, and visiting temples for new beginnings. Rahu Kalam is, however, considered acceptable for activities already in progress.
Is Rahu Kalam on Sundays different?
Yes. Rahu Kalam on Sunday falls in the 8th (last) segment of the day — typically about 30-45 minutes before sunset. This makes Sunday's Rahu Kalam fall in the late afternoon, unlike weekdays where it falls during morning or midday hours.