Sat Sri Akal, Y’all
The spirit of the holidays leads me to reflect on togetherness and human connection. It is a time when we celebrate the traditions and customs that make our world vibrant and meaningful. Now that I’m officially on winter break as of 5:00 pm Friday, I have some time to think about the past year. During a visit to a high school in Chandigarh, India, I experienced this blend of cultures, intentionally but casually. I always try to learn greetings, thank you, please, and other phrases when I’m in a new place. As I stepped in front of the students, I greeted them with a “Sat sri akal,” a traditional Punjabi salutation. I added my own ending, because in the Southern United States, we say “y’all” all the time: “Sat sri akal, y’all!” I liked the rhyme, and I wanted to connect with the students while sharing a part of my own culture.
Since I regularly get reminded of, or roasted for, having said, “Sat sri akal, y’all!” I have been thinking about how it highlights something that resonates deeply, that embracing and appreciating cultural differences enriches us all. Cultural awareness is not just about learning new phrases or trying new foods. It is about understanding and respecting the values, traditions, and histories that shape other people’s lives. When we take the time to listen and learn, we open ourselves to experiences that deepen our empathy and broaden our perspectives.
In the Southern United States, "y’all" is woven into our daily conversation. I probably say it a hundred times a day. As our country has faced divisive and discriminatory rhetoric, in the South we have adopted the saying, “Y’all means all,” to emphasize inclusivity. It reminds us that every person, regardless of their background, identity, or culture, is welcome. This sentiment mirrors the essence of many global traditions. Festivals like Eid and Diwali emphasize unity and sharing joy with everyone, regardless of faith or social status. These parallels remind us that while our customs may differ, our values often align.
The holidays are an ideal time to share our stories and learn from others. Exchanges through storytelling, music, food, or simple conversations nurture understanding and appreciation. These days, I treasure listening to my dad's stories, sometimes the same ones repeated, sometimes fragments. In these moments, I'm not just hearing stories. I am preserving pieces of our family's history, collecting memories that I can later share with others. When I relay his stories about growing up in Tennessee, traveling the world, or his adventures as a young man, I'm not just reminiscing. I'm building bridges between generations and cultures, helping others understand the world through his eyes, and my own.
These stories often surface around shared meals, where food and memory intertwine. When I enjoyed a meal of dal makhani in Punjab, the flavors spoke of tradition and family. When I’ve invited friends from other cultures to my table for greens, beans, and cornbread (with Tennessee chow chow), they’ve tasted part of my own heritage. Funny story, I thought it was pronounced “ma-KHAN-ee” until I heard it from my host who graciously corrected me. It’s “MAKH-nee” in case you also have never heard it said out loud. Such moments remind us that culture is a gift, one that grows richer when shared. The joy of discovering that others’ traditions resonate with our own is unparalleled. It is a reminder that the world is both vast and beautifully interconnected.
But, cultural appreciation goes beyond the festive season and requires ongoing curiosity and humility. It means asking questions without assumptions, celebrating differences without appropriation, and recognizing the beauty in the unfamiliar. Greeting someone in their language, even imperfectly, or incorporating a piece of your culture into the exchange is a small but meaningful way to connect. And a source of endless laughter at my expense, apparently.
As I enjoy this holiday season, I’ll be carrying on the spirit of “Sat sri akal, y’all” in my heart and celebrating the beauty of our differences and the common threads that unite us. My hope is that everyone greets each other with warmth and an open mind, embracing the idea that inclusivity makes us stronger. However you celebrate during this time, whether you are gathering around a Christmas tree like my family, observing Kwanzaa, lighting a menorah, celebrating with a bonfire on Lohri, or getting ready for King Cake season, know that your traditions matter. And when you encounter someone whose customs differ from yours, greet them with curiosity and kindness.
After all, y’all means all.