* Good start to 2010 after drastic 09 fall in imports
(Updates to more quotes, details)
NEW DELHI, Jan 27 (Reuters) - India has imported 35-40 tonnes of gold during January 1-27, up from 9.8 tonnes in the whole of the same month last year, the head of a trade body and bank dealers said on Wednesday.
Softer prices and the end of a mid January period in the Hindu calendar deemed inauspicious for ceremonies spurred demand, said Suresh Hundia, president of the Bombay Bullion Association.
"Wholesale demand is there. Retail is absent," he told Reuters from Mumbai.
Hundia said retail demand could pick up from next month after an inauspicious phase ended mid-Jan.
India imported 339.8 tonnes of gold in 2009, down from 420 tonnes in 2008, data from the Bombay Bullion Association showed.
But stable prices in the month so far after last year's volatility and record-making spree, has given 2010 a good start to gold demand, dealers in banks said.
"There has been some consistency in prices. We have seen good demand from wholesalers. Buying generally picks up mid Jan and goes on till March," said a senior precious metals dealer in a private bank.
On Wednesday, near-month gold futures MAUc1 was at 16,480 rupees ($355) per 10 grams, up nearly 17 percent on year, but down from a record high of 18,294 rupees in December.
($1=46.365 rupees) (Reporting by Ruchira Singh)
