Barodians donate blood to celebrate Sayajibaug’s birthday

Vadodara: It was a chilly morning but a group of Barodians braved the cold winds and gathered at Sayajibaug –the city’s biggest park – on Tuesday. They first sung a birthday song and cut a cake to celebrate Sayajibaug’s 139th birthday. A group of morning walkers has been celebrating the garden’s birthday over last few years by cutting a cake.
“This year, we decided to organize a blood donation camp to celebrate the occasion. Also, we donated two bicycles to the needy,” said Vijay Wadhwani, a morning walker who had organized the celebration. “This park is popular among people of all age groups and thousands visit this place daily. Such a huge green space amid the urban concrete jungle is a gift that we had received from Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III. So, we celebrate the garden’s birthday every year,” Wadhwani told TOI.

Dedicated to the Barodians in 1879, Sayajibaug is spread over 113 acres adjacent to the Vishwamitri River. The garden is home to a zoo, planetarium, museum, amphitheater and a cable-stayed bridge that runs over the river. The garden that sees thousands of footfalls everyday has a rich flora of over 98 species of trees and various plants. The Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) is now renovating the zoo and aviary apart from bringing in new animals.