Rahu Kaal Explained - Why Indians Avoid This Time Daily

December 17, 2025 | 8 views

Ever noticed how your grandmother refuses to start anything new during certain hours? Or why some people won't leave the house between 12-1:30 PM on Wednesdays?

Welcome to Rahu Kaal - the 90-minute window that traditional Vedic astrology considers inauspicious for starting new activities.

What Is Rahu Kaal?

Rahu Kaal (also called Rahu Kalam) is a daily period ruled by Rahu, one of the shadow planets in Vedic astrology. It lasts approximately 90 minutes and occurs at different times each day of the week.

Think of it as the universe's "save your important stuff for later" notification.

Daily Rahu Kaal Timings

The exact timing varies by location and sunrise/sunset times, but the general pattern is:

  • Monday: 7:30 AM - 9:00 AM
  • Tuesday: 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
  • Wednesday: 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
  • Thursday: 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
  • Friday: 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Saturday: 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
  • Sunday: 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM

What People Actually Avoid During Rahu Kaal

Traditional beliefs suggest avoiding:

  • Starting new business ventures or signing contracts
  • Beginning journeys or travel
  • Making major purchases (cars, property, gold)
  • Conducting religious ceremonies or pujas
  • Interviews or important meetings
  • Inaugurations or launching new projects

But Here's What You Can Do

This is important: Rahu Kaal doesn't mean the entire 90 minutes is cursed. You can absolutely:

  • Continue work you've already started
  • Handle routine daily activities
  • Go to your regular job
  • Attend scheduled meetings (not starting new ones)
  • Study, exercise, or do household work
  • Emergency medical care (obviously!)

Basically, if it's not NEW, you're fine.

Does Rahu Kaal Actually Matter?

Here's where it gets interesting. Modern life doesn't always allow us to schedule around 90-minute windows every day. You can't tell your boss "Sorry, can't start this project, it's Rahu Kaal."

Many astrologers suggest this: If you have a choice, avoid it for truly important new beginnings. Job interview? Maybe reschedule. But your regular Wednesday afternoon meeting? Probably fine.

The underlying principle makes sense: certain times have different energy. Just like you probably don't make your best decisions at 3 AM when you're exhausted, Rahu Kaal suggests some times aren't ideal for launches and new starts.

The Modern Take

Today, many people track Rahu Kaal more out of respect for tradition than strict adherence. They might:

  • Avoid major financial decisions during Rahu Kaal if possible
  • Time important events around it when convenient
  • Use it as a reminder to slow down during the day
  • Follow it strictly for religious or cultural events

Should You Care?

If you're planning something important and you have flexibility, why not work around Rahu Kaal? Think of it as stacking the odds in your favor. But if life doesn't allow it, don't stress.

Most astrologers agree: Your overall birth chart matters far more than any single 90-minute period. Rahu Kaal is one factor, not the only factor.

Check today's Rahu Kaal for your city on our Panchang page. Maybe you'll find that important call can wait 90 minutes. Or maybe it can't - and that's okay too.