[5][6] Mahathma Gandhi, the 'Father of India,' visited Chilaw in November 1927 on his first and only journey to Sri Lanka when it was called Ceylon.

Tourists visit the well known Hindu temple located in Munneswaram, situated in the historic Demala Pattuva ("Tamil division") region of Puttalam District.

During the festival, traders sell hand-painted clay models of animals such as deer, money box tills and 'raban' (traditional hand drums) from stalls all over the town.

The woman took the statue and handed over it to the parish priest who recognized it as Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

During the feast season of Our Lady Of Mount Carmel, the town is fully decorated in homage to Mother Mary.