Sat Sri Akaal

Sat is derived from the Sanskrit word "Satya" and means "Truth or Real". Sri (or Shri or Shree), an honorific word, is of Sanskrit origin used as a form of respect or veneration of the Almighty. Akaal or Akal [A+Kaal= The One beyond time] is one of the many names used for "the timeless being, God". Thus, the phrase means "Venerated Almighty is the Ultimate Truth".

Besides being the clarion call of Sikhism, the Jaikara has become an integral part of the Sikh liturgy and is spoken at the end of Ardas, the Sikh prayer in holy congregations. It is, nowadays, commonly used as a greeting between Sikhs and Punjabis.

"Sat Shri Akaal" is used by Sikhs throughout the world when greeting other Sikhs, regardless of their native language. For instance, two members of the Sikh Diaspora who exclusively speak English may still greet each other with this blessing, although this is not universal.

The usage of Sat Shri Akaal as a greeting, although used by the majority of people who identify themselves as being Sikh, is regarded as incorrect usage by "Amritdhari [baptized] Sikhs. As the term is historically the second half of the Sikh war cry, "Bole So Nihal, Sat Shri Akal", and is still used in the same way. As per the Sikh Rehat Maryada, or Code of Conduct, Amritdhari Sikhs greet each other with "Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh", meaning "The Khalsa belongs to the Lord God! the victory belongs to God!".

Three regiments of the Indian Army – the Punjab Regiment, Sikh Regiment, and Sikh Light Infantry – use it as their battle cry.