Second Khodaldham in Surat Sparks Debate Within Patidar Community

SURAT : The announcement of a second Khodaldham in Surat has reignited questions over unity and leadership within the influential Patidar community, with the proposed Annapurna Khodaldham in Varachha...

The new project was announced during a Navratri ‘Sheri Otlo’ Garba event, where chants of “Jai Khodiyar” echoed across the venue as a preview of the proposed complex was presented to attendees.

Chairman of Greenlab diamonds, a leading lab-grown diamond manufacturing company and Patidar leader Mukesh Patel has been identified as the driving force behind the Varachha project, with Jayanti Eklara, real estate developers joining the initiative and serving as president of the temple trust. The proposed Shri Annapurna Khodaldham is planned on 150 bighas of land at Velanja, Surat. The land acquisition process is reportedly nearing completion, with a formal announcement expected after it is finalised.

Defending the project, Mukesh Patel said religious and community institutions should serve the wider community rather than be controlled by individuals.

Whether it is Khodaldham or Annapurna Dham, it is not anyone’s personal fiefdom. If Naresh Patel wishes to come, he is welcome,” Patel said.