From correspondents in Maharashtra, India, 01:30 PM IST

Indian equities opened on a positive note Wednesday, after posting one of its steepest gains in recent years the day before during the traditional one-hour trading on Diwali when investors also worship the goddess of wealth.

The sensitive index (Sensex) of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) opened higher at 9,297.76 points, against the previous close at 9,008.08, and was ruling at 9,227.56 points some 20 minutes into trading.

At that level, the 30-share index was higher by 219.48 points, or 2.44 percent, over the previous close.

The index had posted a gain of 498.52 points, or 5.9 percent, during the hour-long ceremonial trading on Diwali, which also marks the New Year for a section of investors as per the Hindu calendar.

(Staff Writer, © IANS)