Songs and dances play a very important part in Santal life. Santals have different kinds of songs, sometimes accompanied by dance, associated with particular festivals and special celebrations or ceremonies. These are performed only during those times, or for the duration of the festival. 

Each song form has a particular tune and its own particular rhythm. The steps of the dance, if associated with a song, vary according to the specific rhythm, though they may all look the same to a casual observer.  The lyrics of the songs are short, expressive, full of meaning and an intimate expression of their lives and do not necessarily pertain to the theme of the festival. Though most songs are ancestral, Santals also compose songs on the spur of the moment. 

Some dances are performed by the women alone and others by the men, while in a few, both women and men participate. The key difference between the various dances is brought about by variations in the rhythmic pattern produced by the accompanying drums, the tumdak and tamak.  

Whenever there is an occasion for rejoicing, such as the name giving ceremony of a child or when a boy reaches adolescence and is fully accepted into the tribe, and again during marriage festivities, there will be singing and dancing. The songs and dances performed at such times as entertainment is the Dong. At these times it is the women who do the dancing, while the men accompany on the drums and tirio (flute), and the songs refer directly to the occasion for which folks have gathered together. However, the songs are not directly connected with any of the rituals that take place during these events, though the lyrics may refer to them. Songs or rather chants that accompany specific ceremonies at Santal weddings fall in the category of Onorhenh– that are sung by the women. These are usually four to six lines and are recited in a sing-song manner (much like a Padaboli) – different tunes for different rituals during a wedding. The songs are always in a question and answer format. Unlike Dong songs, which are always accompanied by music and dance, these marriage ritual-specific tunes are not accompanied by any music or dance.  

As far as Santal weddings go, Dong performances are but a small part of the entire occasion. Other dances that take place as part of marriage rituals include Natua Don, Poek Don and Sing Sadom (Ghora Naach). No songs accompany these performances. 

Dong songs during weddings and other special occasions always follow a particular order. First, Athop Dong songs are sung, followed by Duhuri Dong and finally, Sardi Dong – each category following a specific tune and with corresponding variations in rhythmic patterns. Athop Dong songs have a slow tempo, Duhuri songs are faster and Sardi, the fastest. Then again, under the Athop Dong category, there are a number of rhythmic patterns that are used. Unfortunately, Athop and Duhuri dong songs have become endangered, but Sardi Dong continues to be very popular. 

Dong songs and dances may also be performed at any other time, but the lyrics then would not pertain to specific occasions like marriages or the birth of a child. Generally speaking, a wide range of themes spanning romantic love, separation, marriages, relationships with in-laws, a child’s birth, love for nature, love for one’s country and much more, form the subject of Dong songs. There are even Dong songs on the subject of other festivals. For instance, Sohrai festivities always end with the performance of Dong, through song and dance. The tune, the rhythm and the dance is Dong, but the lyrics talk of the Sohrai festival. Dong Songs which are performed outside of weddings and children specific ceremonies are usually Sardi and sometimes, Duhuri, but never Athop. 

According to Motilal Hansda of Jivanpur, Purulia, the root word for Dong is probably Don  - which in Santali means the spirited dancing and leaping around to rhythmic music, which accompanies the ritual of carrying purified water to bathe the bridal couple with.  The women who participate in this ritual are usually armed with bows, arrows and swords, while the men provide the percussion and music. When the ritual is completed, the singing and dancing carries on at the wedding venue as Dong enech (dance) or Dong serenj (song).