Saturn and Mars are set to reach alignment on Sunday night, meaning that they should appear to be touching each other to people watching from Earth even though they are millions of kilometres (miles) apart, the Times of India reported.

But while enthusiastic astronomers readied their telescopes and scouted for the best positions to view the rare occurrence, astrologers were busy drawing charts to make predictions, the report said.

The celestial event usually occurs once every 18 years but this time it has fallen at a time called "Karak Rashi" according to the Indian lunar calendar, generally designated as unfavourable by astrologers.

Bejan Daruwalla, one of India's most high-profile astrologers, said the conjunction of planets would happen at 9:30 p.m. (1600 GMT) just as Brazil was set to kick off their World Cup match against Australia.

He predicted "a surprising outcome" to the game and the World Cup itself, the Times of India report said.

"Mars and Saturn in (the Zodiac configuration of) Cancer, Government -- check your move," ran the ominous headline of an article by astrologer Ajay Kukreja on the website, astro.indiatimes.com.

"Mars transit provides the ignition material for violent events to occur. In astrology Mars stands for emergencies, disturbances, rebellious and political fanatics," Kukreja warned.

For individuals, "this conjunction may give very bad results" including divorce, separation, depression, accidents, pain and agony, he predicted.

Astrologer Ajai Bhambi said the government, a coalition led by the Congress party, could face trouble after raising fuel prices this month and supporting higher quotas for low-caste students at elite universities.

The government "should be ready to face a bitter challenge of its policies and this agitation will turn out to be a great movement in the coming months," Bhambi warned.