Mithai gets a makeover as Jaipur sweet shops drop 'Pak' from names

In a surprising twist to India-Pakistan tensions, sweet shops in Jaipur have begun renaming traditional Indian desserts, removing the word 'Pak' from their names. The move comes amid heightened nationalist sentiment following recent hostilities between the two nations.  

 

Popular sweets such as Mysore Pak, Moti Pak, Gond Pak, and Aam Pak are now being sold as Mysore Shree, Moti Shree, Gond Shree, and Aam Shree. Shopkeepers claim the change was driven by customer requests, as many felt uncomfortable with the word 'Pak' due to its association with Pakistan. Despite the linguistic origins of 'Pak'—which refers to a sugar syrup stage in Indian sweet-making—the symbolic renaming has gained traction in Jaipur’s markets.  

 

The term 'Pak' originates from Sanskrit and Kannada, meaning a stage in cooking involving syrup, with no connection to Pakistan. The renaming follows a surge in nationalist sentiment after India’s military operation targeting terror camps across the border. Some critics argue that altering food names in response to political tensions risks conflating cultural heritage with modern nationalism.  

 

While shopkeepers report steady sales, the online backlash has been swift, with linguists and food lovers ridiculing the move. Social media users have joked about renaming pakoras and pakwan, while others have pointed out the historical roots of the term. The debate continues, with some viewing the change as a patriotic gesture and others dismissing it as unnecessary political posturing.  

 

Sources: Tribune Pakistan, India Today, Business Today, Free Press Journal.