Heart of Goodness during Avurudu

Back in 2005, I fell in love with my first vehicle. For most people, it is a Ferrari, Audi, Pajero, Volvo, etc. But for me, it was this tiny bike called Honda Chaly. Yes, no one can indeed see the Chaly when I sit on it. But who cares about what people have to say when you are in love, right?

I named my bike Dyan. Now, you might be wondering why, Dyan? When you have cool Sinhala names like Kusuma, Somawathi, and Gunawathi and Tamil names like Saraswathi, Madhuri, and Bhavana or even Muslim names like Zainab, Fathima, and Rizmina. Well, those are indeed great names, but then I realized the feeling I had when I saw the bike was very similar to what I felt when I had my first crush on a girl. I know it is strange to feel that way, but feelings are feelings, right? Sometimes it makes no sense. But this whole thing made sense to me. So, I named it after that Irish girl Dyan.

Although Dyan - my bike, was tiny and cute, it had a bloody mind of its own. It simply refused to work on Poya days (now, Spanish people don't get too excited, it is just a Sri Lankan monthly holiday!). Not only limited to Poya days, but Dyan also would not work on rainy days, sometimes after 11 pm, or even when I have some urgent trip scheduled. Dyan didn't make it easy for me. She made me earn every ride!

One day, around 11 pm, on my way back home from work took my usual route through Kotahena. As I was passing Kochchikade church, the bike suddenly stopped in the middle of the road. I realized that Dyan had one of those outbursts of refusing to work after 11 pm. Like any other human being, I was annoyed and wanted to power-slam the bike. But then I realized that I hadn't pumped petrol, and it's not entirely Dyan's fault. I estimated that the petrol station was a mile away, so I started to push the bike. Now, I was cursing myself for negligence and stupidity. If a girl happens to be in this situation at this dreadful hour, she will get a lot of attention. I can assure you that there will be so many people gathered around, although only a few with genuine intentions. But then again, I'm this big guy on a small bike, so I was getting attention for different reasons.

I was huffing and puffing towards the petrol station down the dark roads in Kotahena when a stranger on a bike stopped and asked me what was wrong. I told him the story quite briefly. I had no intention of sharing the burden with a stranger and pointed out to him that the petrol station was nearby and that I was okay. To my surprise, he got off the bike and asked me to take a breather. He wandered around the pavement and found a plastic bottle. He took this empty bottle by filling about half a liter of petrol from his tank and gave it to me - just like that! I was not in a state of mind to ask who he was or why he did what he did - I was too surprised by his actions. Then, before he started to leave, he stopped for a few extra seconds to tell me that if a similar problem did happen to him in the middle of the night, he wanted to believe in the Goodness of the people.

After the incident, this stranger made me a firm believer in the Goodness that people have to offer the world. Of course, sometimes it can be a challenge, yet I try my best to believe. When a shop was named to have a Good Heart; 'Honda Hitha', I was a little skeptical, especially when it is a self-proclaimed good heart. When I first tried their curd, I laughed at the name. But then, fast forward four years, Honda Hitha convinced me of their Goodness and quality just like that.

So, I decided to feature Honda Hitha during this Avurudu because it has a wide range of products that would give you joy and happiness during this season! Most importantly, it will bring everyone together.

Every now and then, I visit Honda Hitha, depending on where I am, and would purchase something that would spread the Goodness. My go-to products have been the 'Thala Kerali' (a sweet made with Sesame seeds and Kithul treacle), Kithul Treacle, Kithul Hakuru, Grain Porridge mixture, Buffalo curd, Dodol, Garlic dipped in bee honey, and Aggala. I love the consistency and quality of the products. Believe me, I have never been a disappointed customer. When you taste the Kithul base in every product, you know that it is the real deal. It is as good as buying a bottle of Kithul treacle from Kithulgala. And the best part would be that the people at the counter are honest. If they think the product is not in its best state, they will not encourage you to buy it.

Honda Hitha also has all the sweets you need during Avurudu, especially Kokis, Kavum, Mun-Kavum, Asmi, etc. Also, I have to state that these products are offered at a reasonable price, and can be purchased in conveniently located multiple outlets in Kohuwala, Maharagama, Battaramulla, Thalawathugoda, Wellawatta, Pagoda, and Nugegoda. Honda Hitha promotes locally manufactured products, therefore you have the opportunity to support the local vendors if you head down to the shop and make a purchase. Let me know your experience with Honda Hitha during this Avrurudu season! Let your heart fill with Goodness and Prosperity! Happy Aruvudu everyone!