Sat Sri Akal has been so used through the 300-year history of the Sikh people, since the creation of the
Khalsa. In a normal situation, when two Sikhs meet they exchange greetings by saying "
Sat Sri Akal". Although it is now the customary Sikh greeting, it does not have the sanction of history or orthodoxy. "
Wahiguru ji ka Khalsa Wahiguru ji ki Fateh", the other salutation, is generally used only by people punctilious in the observance of proper form. Those addressing a Sikh religious congregation will, as a rule, greet the audience with the salutation, "
Wahiguru ji ka Khalsa Wahiguru ji ki Fateh". "
Sat Sri Akaal" shouted in unison responding to the call "
bole so nihal" is a call to action, or expression of ecstatic joy or an invocation for Divine aid or succour. While
sat or
sati (
Sanskrit satya) means ‘true’, ‘good’, ‘abiding’, ‘real’ and ‘eternal’,
sri is an
honorific denoting beauty, glory, grace or majesty. == See also ==