In Jaipur, the culturally diverse city famous for its culinary traditions and rich heritage, one luxury sweet shop has caused a buzz by dropping the word ‘Pak’ from its traditional sweets’ names — a word that has been used in Indian cuisine historically to connote richness or cooking style.
The initiative is the brainchild of Anjali Jain, proprietor of Tyohaar Sweets. In a conversation with Local18, Jain pointed out the underlying message in the change. “The spirit of patriotism shouldn’t just be at the border but must live within every citizen. That’s why we chose to erase ‘Pak’ from our sweets’ names and replace it with more culturally nurturing and patriotic ones,” she said.
New Names Reflect National Pride
Common sweets like Moti Pak, Aam Pak, Gond Pak, and Mysore Pak now go by the names Moti Shree, Aam Shree, Gond Shree, and Mysore Shree respectively. Even the store’s high-end stuff like Swarn Bhasm Pak and Chandi Bhasm Pak, famous for their edible gold and silver coverings, are now Swarn Shree and Chandi Shree.
Jain explained that several of these modifications followed consumers’ reactions who were uncomfortable with the term ‘Pak’ being present on sweets, particularly in light of recent national security incidents like the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor. “The customers themselves encouraged us to make this change,” she further said.
Culinary Meets Patriotism
Tyohaar’s move has also drawn apparently other sweet shops in Jaipur to make similar adjustments, and that indicates a larger trend of symbolic nationalism shaping consumer culture. Even though ‘Pak’ is a Sanskrit word that originally meant ‘to cook’, the initiative points to how changing geopolitics can transform even traditional culinary terminology.
Tyohaar Sweets, with more than 125 varieties all year round, has been renowned for its festive spirit and high-end sweets. Now, the latest rebranding identifies heritage with patriotism. To quote Jain: “When we utter ‘Shree’ or ‘Bharat’, it is like coming home.”
