Amid ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan, several sweet shops in Jaipur have decided to rename the traditional South Indian dessert ‘Mysore Pak’ to ‘Mysore Shree’. The move has been made to remove the word ‘Pak’ from the sweet’s name, which some associate with Pakistan. The change has sparked debate online, drawing mixed reactions from the public across the country.
Shops Replace ‘Pak’ With ‘Shree’ In Sweet Names
Sweet shops across Jaipur have begun replacing the word ‘Pak’ in their menus, sign boards and packaging. The most notable change is the new name for Mysore Pak, now labelled as ‘Mysore Shree’ in several stores.
According to Business Today, the change stems from growing nationalist sentiment among residents. Even though ‘Pak’ in Mysore Pak refers to the process of ‘pakka’ or ‘cooking’, sweet shop owners claim that many customers have expressed discomfort with the term. As a result, shopkeepers have voluntarily adopted new names that sound more traditionally Indian.
Also Read: Turkish Man Tries And Rates Indian Sweets, Gives Ras Malai 10/10 The Internet Wholeheartedly Agrees!
Some stores have gone a step further by renaming other sweets that include ‘Pak’ in their titles, replacing them with alternatives that align with patriotic and cultural sentiments. The trend reflects a broader desire to align food names with current national moods, especially during politically sensitive periods.
Netizens Respond With Mixed Views To Renaming Mysore Pak
Social media users have responded to the renaming with a mix of humour, criticism and support. As reported by Business Today, many netizens see the change as unnecessary, arguing that Mysore Pak is a centuries-old dish from Karnataka with no relation to Pakistan. Others believe the change is symbolic and reflects the pulse of public sentiment in times of conflict.
The shift has also sparked discussions on cultural preservation versus patriotic rebranding. While some believe that food names should evolve with time, others stress the importance of respecting historical roots and culinary heritage.
Cultural Identity And Political Sentiment Intersect
This is not the first time food has been influenced by politics in India. Similar instances have occurred in the past, where dishes with foreign connotations or perceived political associations were renamed. The decision to rename Mysore Pak now adds to a growing list of cultural changes inspired by public emotion and national sentiment.
Mysore Pak traces its origins to the royal kitchens of Mysore and has been a beloved sweet across South India. While the dessert itself remains unchanged, its name now reflects an evolving narrative shaped by current affairs.
Also Read: From Ras Malai To Jalebi, Here’s The Ultimate Guide To Making Your Favourite Indian Sweets Vegan!
As India continues to experience heightened tensions with Pakistan, symbolic gestures like renaming dishes have become part of broader expressions of solidarity and national pride.
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro