Bhandu
Bhandu is a village in Mahesana district, state of Gujarat, India. It is located 16 kilometres (9.9 mi) away from Mahesana city and 17 km away from Visanagar. Bhandu is a part of 5 gam Leuva Patidar samaj, the other 4 villages are Manund, Sander, Balisana, and Valam.
Too many years ago Bhandu was known as a Vaibhand and later was known as a Bhandu because of Vaibhand Rushi (Hindu Saint) who used to live in the village. The first inhabitants of village were people from Patidar community currently divided in three major groups known as Navo Madh, Vachali Pati and Masot Pati. Members of each Pati are generally blood related and share common ancestors.Each PATI is divided in few dozens of families who again are closely related to each others. Most people in village are engaged in age old traditional profession of community 'The Farming'. Even though the region of North Gujarat is known as semi arid area, the agriculture growth rate and milk production are above ordinary. The community has started exploring other areas for better economical stability and financial securities. Apart from owning various businesses in some of the largest cities of India the migration of young generation towards west, predominantly USA has changed the shape of the village and community drastically.
The village has separate primary schools as well as high schools for girls and boys. T.K. Vidyalaya is for boys. It was used to be the center of studies for students of Bhandu as well as the nearby villages such as Motidau, Jetalvasana, and many others. The recent trend of migration of people towards cities has pushed the fine high school to the verge of abandonment. Its girls' counterpart is known as Shree Adarsh Kanya Vidyalaya. Bhandu also boasts a head post office, a Bank of Baroda branch, and a District bank of Mehsana. Bhandu is the only village in 5 gam Leuva Patidar Samaj having both highway and railway facilities, connecting the village to Ahmedabad. Village boast with all sorts of basic facilities including 24 hours electricity, a hospital, Community water Purification plant,Railway and Bus station,a large Community center, Multiple ponds and one large lake spread in 40 acres (84 Bighas) which is connected with Sujalam Suflam canal network, part of Narmada canal network. The nearby public airport is Ahmedabad, about 80 km from village, with Mehsana having a private landing strip for small aircraft, which is just 10 km away from the village.
Four major temples, Brahmani Mataji, Varahi Mataji, Devi Mataji,Rushi timba ramji mandir and Mahadev Mandir, are few of the many places of worship that village offers. Brahmani Mataji is regarded as Kuldevi of village. The village observe the annual day of celebration on the auspicious date of Dharo Atham/Bhadarava Sud Atham (the eighth day of Bhadarava month of the Hindu calendar).
LC institute of technology,one nursing,a physiotherapy and homeopathy college along with and PTC and B.Ed college are located on Bhandu-Mehsana highway.
Coordinates: 23°42′N 72°22′E / 23.700°N 72.367°E