Jaipur Sweets: In the bustling lanes of Jaipur, where the aroma of ghee-laden sweets fills the air, a subtle but significant change is taking place in the world of traditional Indian sweets. Shopkeepers across the Pink City have quietly begun replacing the term ‘Pak’ with ‘Shri’ in beloved confections like Moti Pak (now Moti Shri), Aam Pak, and the iconic Mysore Pak (rebranded as Mysore Shri).
Moti Shri vs Moti Pak: What’s Behind the Name Change?
The shift from Moti Pak to Moti Shri reflects deeper cultural undercurrents in contemporary India. While ‘Pak’ comes from Persian meaning ‘pure’ or ‘solid’, describing the sweet’s dense texture, its phonetic similarity to ‘Pakistan’ has led some vendors to adopt the Sanskrit honorific ‘Shri’.
Why Jaipur Sweets Are Leading This Change
Jaipur’s sweet shops, particularly in Johari Bazaar, have been at the forefront of this rebranding. As one shopkeeper explained: “We noticed customers responding positively to Moti Shri instead of Moti Pak, so we made the switch.”
Mysore Shri: A New Name for an Old Favorite
The case of Mysore Shri (formerly Mysore Pak) has generated particular interest. Originating from the royal kitchens of Mysore, this traditional Indian sweet has been a staple for over a century. Food historians argue the name change doesn’t alter its rich history, though some purists lament the loss of culinary terminology.
Traditional Indian Sweets in the Spotlight
This phenomenon highlights how:
- Culinary traditions are evolving in modern India
- Language politics are influencing food culture
- Jaipur sweets are often trendsetters in the confectionery world
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A Wider Trend in India?
While Jaipur appears to be at the forefront of this shift, other cities with strong sweet traditions—such as Bengaluru (home of Mysore Pak), Hyderabad, and Lucknow—have not yet followed suit. In Karnataka, for instance, sweet shops continue to proudly advertise Mysore Pak without alteration.
However, this is not the first time food names have been politicized in India. In 2022, the Mughal Garden at Rashtrapati Bhavan was renamed Amrit Udyan, and in 2023, some eateries replaced ‘Hyderabadi Biryani’ with ‘Andhra Biryani’ to dissociate it from its Mughal roots.
Will the Taste Change With the Name?
Vendors assure that while names like Moti Shri and Mysore Shri may be new, the recipes remain unchanged. As chef Sanjay Rawat notes, “The ghee-rich flavor of these traditional Indian sweets stays the same, whatever you call them.”
Public Reaction: Divided Opinions
The change has sparked a mix of support, amusement, and skepticism. Some customers welcome the shift, seeing it as a return to indigenous terminology.
There’s nothing wrong with embracing our own language,” says Rajeev Sharma, a local resident. “If ‘Shri’ sounds more Indian than ‘Pak’, why not use it?
Others, however, find the move unnecessary. “This is just hyper-nationalism affecting even our sweets,” remarks food historian Dr. Priya Menon. “Mysore Pak has no political meaning—it’s just a sweet. Renaming it doesn’t change its history.”
Conclusion: What’s in a Name?
The Moti Shri vs Moti Pak debate encapsulates larger questions about cultural identity and tradition. As Jaipur’s sweet shops continue this quiet revolution, one thing remains certain: the love for these time-honored treats transcends whatever name appears on the label.
What do you think? Is this rebranding of Jaipur sweets a meaningful change or unnecessary meddling with tradition? Share your thoughts below!
