The trading in the first half was closed on account of 'Mahashivratri'.
On the Multi Commodity Exchange, gold contracts for April traded higher by Rs 433, or 1.03 per cent, to Rs 42,472 per 10 gram in a business turnover of 1,354 lots.
The yellow metal for June delivery climbed Rs 411, or 0.97 per cent, to Rs 42,649 per 10 gram in a business turnover of 109 lots.
Fresh positions built up by participants on positive cues from global markets mainly led to rise in gold prices, analysts said.
Globally, gold prices rose 1.09 per cent to USD 1,638.10 per ounce in New York. VHP SHWSHW