Have you ever been part of any temple festival where fish tops the list of offerings made to the deity? A visit to the Sri Muthappan Temple at Parassinikadavu would be a splendid and novel experience due to its unique customs. The Muthappan Thiruvappana (Puthari Thiruvappana) Festival is held annually at this temple, where Sri Muthappan, the principal deity, is always accompanied by a dog. Dogs are considered sacred here, and the Prasadam (offerings made to the deity) is first served to a dog within the temple complex.

Located on the banks of the Valapattanam River, the Parassinikadavu Sri Muthappan Temple stands out for its distinctive customs and architecture. Unlike other popular temples in Kerala, the worship practices here do not follow the Brahminical tradition. Sri Muthappan is a folk deity believed to be a manifestation of the mythical figures 'Thiruvappana' and 'Vellatom'. Visitors to the temple are often regaled with legends about the deity's ancestry and birth. The Puthari Thiruvappana is the annual festival of Parassinikadavu Sree Muthappan Temple in Kannur, celebrated on the 16th of the Malayalam month of Vrischikam (November/December).

Celebrated as a harvest festival, devotees and farmers offer freshly harvested rice crops (puthari) to the Madappura. The festival also features a grand ceremonial feast prepared using the newly harvested rice. This festival is one of the highlights of the temple, reflecting the deep reverence and cultural significance of Sri Muthappan among the local community.

On the banks of the Valapattanam River, Parassinikadavu Muthappan Temple, also known as Parassini Madappura Sree Muthappan Temple, is a renowned pilgrim spot in Northern Kerala. Muthappan is believed to be an embodiment of Thiruvappana (Lord Vishnu) and Vellatom (Lord Shiva). The temple welcomes everyone, regardless of their religion or background. Dogs, considered Muthappan’s vehicle of choice, are left undisturbed within the temple premises. The temple's rituals are not based on the Brahmanical way of worship typical in other Hindu temples in Kerala.

Devotees share their concerns with Muthappan Theyyam, a Theyyam performer believed to be the personification of the Lord. Unique offerings such as toddy, fish, and meat are made to the deity. The Theyyam art form, which is regularly performed at the temple, is the main form of veneration. The annual harvest festival held in the first week of December, known as Puthari Thiruvappana, is celebrated with much fervor, attracting devotees from far and wide. The temple offers free meals and lodging to all who arrive during this festive time, making it a place of warmth, hospitality, and spiritual solace.