The Jaintias (or Pnars) celebrate the sowing festival of Chad Sukra. It is one of the most important dates on the Niamtre (indigenous religion of the Pnars) calendar. Before the sowing seasons begin, the Pnars practice prayers and rituals in an attempt to ensure a successful year and abundant harvest. Chad Sukra is a special occasion on which visitors can see the communities in their finest traditional costumes while numerous dances from around the world are performed.
A fire dance is a much-anticipated highlight of this festival. The two nights leading up to the main day each have an act that signals the start of Chad Sukra - first, by setting fire to straws and then, on the final evening, by burning effigies made from the same materials.