Indian equities started the new fiscal 2015-16 on a positive note and traded on a flat note most part of the day. The market in the second half gained momentum to finally wrapped the day on a strong note led by financial stocks.

Markets will be closed on April 2 and April 3 on account of Mahavir Jayanti and Good Friday.

At the close, the benchmark 30-share index, BSE Sensex gained 302.65 points or 1.08% at 28,260.14 with 21 components registering rise.  Meanwhile, the broad based NSE Nifty climbed by 95.25 points or 1.12% at 8,586.25 with 38 components posting rise.

Major gainers in the 30-share index were Sun Pharmaceutical Industries  (5.51%), Tata Motors  (2.65%), State Bank Of India (2.42%), I C I C I Bank  (2.41%), Hindalco Industries  (2.32%),  and Tata Steel  (2.26%).

 On the other hand, Infosys  (2.00%), Maruti Suzuki India  (1.53%), Bharat Heavy Electricals  (1.34%), G A I L (India)  (1.09%), Cipla  (0.25%),  and Tata Consultancy Services  (0.14%) were the biggest losers in the Sensex.

The BSE Mid and small caps outperformed their larger counterparts gaining 1.49% and 2.35% respectively. 

The Bankex index was at 21,360.45, up by 495.14 points or by 2.37%. The HC index was at 17,683.88, up by 398.94 points or by 2.31%. The Realty index was at 1,691.50, up by 26.99 points or by 1.62%. On the other hand, the IT index was at 11,277.35, down by 126.77 points or by 1.11%.