You are supposed to wash rice before you cook the rice.
Washing the rice removes any excess debris, dirt and starch and helps the rice achieve a fluffy texture and prevents a gummy consistency when the rice is cooked.
Many people cook rice without washing it which is okay but it's best to always wash or rinse the rice before you cook it.
Not rinsing or washing the rice before cooking won't harm you but it's always recommended to wash the rice before cooking it.
Washed rice results in fluffier and more separated rice texture.
To wash your rice, place the rice in a strainer and run cold water over the rice until the water runs clear.
However if you want your rice to be starchier or stick together for dishes like paella or risotto then it's best to not wash the rice or only slightly rinse the rice.
Rinsing the rice washes the grains of their excess starch and helps the grains of rice remain separate.
If you forget to rinse your rice you can continue cooking the rice and it will still be safe and okay to eat.