Jaipur Sweet Shops Rename ‘Mysore Pak’ to ‘Mysore Shree’ Amid Soaring India-Pakistan Tensions
Sweets Take a Nationalist Turn in Rajasthan
In a symbolic move reflecting the current geopolitical climate, several sweet shops in Jaipur, Rajasthan, have begun renaming traditional Indian confections by replacing the word “Pak” with “Shree.” The most notable change? The beloved Mysore Pak—now rechristened Mysore Shree.
The decision comes on the heels of heightened hostilities between India and Pakistan, following the deadly April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives. India’s swift military response, dubbed Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeted terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), fueling a surge of nationalist sentiment across the country.
What’s in a Name? Everything, Say Jaipur Sweet Makers
Although “Pak” in names like Mysore Pak has its roots in Kannada, referring to “Paka, ” which means sugar syrup or cooked, it’s the association with the name “Pakistan” that has prompted sweet shop owners to make the switch.
Prominent Jaipur establishments such as Tyohaar Sweets and Bombay Mishthan Bhandar are at the forefront of this rebranding initiative. Here are some of the name changes now appearing on shop signs and sweet boxes:
- Mysore Pak → Mysore Shree
- Moti Pak → Moti Shree
- Gond Pak → Gond Shree
- Aam Pak → Aam Shree
- Swarn Bhasm Pak → Swarn Bhasm Shree
- Chandi Bhasm Pak → Chandi Bhasm Shree
The intention, shop owners say, is to disassociate their products from any term that can be remotely linked to Pakistan—even if that link is purely coincidental.
Patriotism or Performative Nationalism? Public Reacts
The renaming campaign has sparked intense debate among customers, linguists, and social media users alike. While some applaud the move as a patriotic gesture and a subtle rebuke to cross-border terrorism, others view it as a misinformed and unnecessary display of nationalism.
“Pak comes from the Sanskrit word Paka, meaning cooked,” explained one linguist. “It has no relation to the country Pakistan.”
Social media, as always, weighed in with sharp wit and sarcasm. One user quipped, “This is peak nationalism. Next, will we rename Karachi Bakery?” Another added, “Will Pakshi (the Sanskrit word for bird) now be renamed Shree-shi?”
A Symbolic Move in a Charged Atmosphere
Despite the linguistic clarifications, Jaipur’s sweet shop owners remain firm in their decision, citing their desire to stand in unity with the nation. “This is our way of saying we don’t support anything associated with Pakistan,” said one shop owner. “Even if it’s just a word, Mysore Pak.”
As India navigates turbulent diplomatic waters and continues to assert its stance against terrorism, symbolic actions like this serve as expressions of solidarity. In a time of national mourning and resolve, even a humble sweet can carry a powerful message.
Conclusion: Whether seen as a heartfelt patriotic move or an overreach of nationalist fervour, the renaming of sweets in Jaipur underscores how deeply national sentiment can influence even the smallest aspects of daily life. As tensions simmer, such symbolic gestures—controversial or not—are likely to continue echoing across the country.
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