Muslims tend to speak Urdu. Women of all cultures and faiths typically wear the traditional Indian dress, the sari – sometimes Salwar Kameez. People in Machilipatnam practice Hinduism, Islam and Christianity. Hindus and Christians generally speak Telugu.
The city is well known for sweet dishes called Bandar Laddu, Musr Laddu and Bandar Halwa.
Literary organizations
Sri Ramakrishna Natya Mandali, founded by Dr. Jandhyala Radha Krishna, conducts mythological dramas. Bharathiya Sahitya Parishad, Indian Cultural Association, Hasya Lasya, Kalasagar, Padmasree Gantasala Samscruthika Sangam and Yuva Vedica are some of the leading literary missions active. The literary organisation Saahithee Mitrulu was established in Machilipatnam in 1981 by Dr. Ravi Ranga Rao. It has conducted literary and cultural programmes since then without pause, functioning chiefly to bring out the creative skills of youth and new writers; it has published at least 66 books of literature and treating of language and culture. In 1999, the organization conducted the "Sathaavadhaanam" of Rallabandi Kavitha Prasad, created a history.
Kuchipudi
Kuchipudi, a popular Indian Classical Dance form originated at Kuchipudi, 25 kilometres from Machilipatnam. The dance form is in practice in Machilipatnam.
Arts and crafts
The Kalamkari fabrics of Machilipatnam and Kalahasti, with their intricate designs, are used in clothing and wall hangings. Kalamkari refers to dye-painted cloths and the technique used to create them. Their name derives from kalam, for a pen-like tool used to draw outlines on the cloth, and kari (work). Fabrics are outlined with a cotton-tipped bamboo stick and dyed in vegetable or mineral colours. The process involves washing, rinsing,
