Kalpakkam is situated about 70km south of Chennai on the coromandal coast of Bay of Bengal. It is surrounded by historic Sathurangapattinum (Sadras) at its north, Pudupattinam at its south and Bay of Bengal. Kalpakkam is well known in the Indian science and technology map for its immense contributions towards strengthening the fundamentals for solving the future energy needs of this country by developing the Fast Breeder Reactors, one of the flagships of Indian Atomic Energy programme. The twin township houses the family of about 6500 scientists and technicians, bearing a true cosmopolitan flavor representing almost every part of India. At this backdrop, the celebration of Durgotsav is a major socio-cultural event. Durgotsav today is the very unifying force amongst people from all walks of life irrespective of their caste, creed, and religion residing in the township.

The worship of Devi Mahamaya with all the traditional rituals and the associated cultural festivities is the essence of Durgotsav at Kalpakkam. It is now customary to invite the priests, dhakis and the idol artists directly from the heartlands of Bengal to ensure proper traditions in the Puja activities. As a part of the Durgotsav, cultural events and competitions are organized on every Puja days, which are being participated by the local artists as well as by professional invitees. Along with the different cultural events on the cards, this year the added attraction is a science exhibition, which would provide a platform for a number of local school students to showcase their ideas.

The Durgotsav in Kalpakkam has come a very long way since its humble beginning two decades back in the year of 1997 at a situation which was widely different from today.In those days Kalpakkam was just a sea-side hamlet with a serpentine road, connecting Pondicherry crisscrossing lazily across the abundant flora of the landscape. The sound of motorized vehicles even during the pick hours was rare. In that scenario, it was indeed a courageous step to conceive the idea of celebrating Durgotsav, which is now grown as one of the major festivals for the people in and around the township. For the organizers, it has always been a challenge to cross the hurdles each year, posed by the growing inflation and crunching resources while simultaneously maintaining the same standard as set by the predecessors. However, the major source of encouragement has been the infusion and enthusiastic participation of the generation next in the organization process with a capital of fresh ideas. This is now certain that with the proper blending of experience with ideas and of course by the blessings of Maa Durga, the Durgotsav celebration at Kalpakkam would reach a greater height in the years to come.