India-Pakistan Tensions Spark Cultural Backlash in India: Sweets Renamed to Erase ‘Pak’ Reference

NEW DELHI:Following recent tensions between **India and Pakistan**, the **fallout of India’s perceived setback** in the conflict is now manifesting in cultural and symbolic reactions within India — particularly in targeting items with names **associated with Pakistan**.

In a wave of **frustration and symbolic protest**, reports have emerged that **local Indian businesses and sweet shops** have begun **renaming traditional sweets** to remove the word **”Pak”**, which some associate with Pakistan, despite the term’s linguistic roots having no relation to the country.

The trend began after **Karachi Bakery** in **Hyderabad, Deccan**, faced **vandalism and pressure to change its name**, with protesters claiming offense over the word “Karachi.” Now, the sentiment has reached **Rajasthan**, where sweet shop owners in **Jaipur** have renamed well-known desserts such as **Mysore Pak**, **Moti Pak**, and **Gond Pak** to names like **Mysore Shri**, **Moti Shri**, and **Gond Shri**.

One sweet shop owner told media:

> *“We’ve removed the word ‘Pak’ from all our sweet names and replaced it with ‘Shri’. This is our way of expressing our disappointment and respecting public sentiments.”*

However, linguists and cultural historians have pointed out that the term **”Pak” in sweets has no connection to Pakistan**. In **Kannada**, a South Indian language, “Pak” refers to a **sweet or syrupy consistency**, and is **centuries old in culinary terminology**.

The emotional reaction follows a **recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir**, which exacerbated tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. Despite the turmoil, both countries reached a temporary **ceasefire agreement on May 10**, though public outrage and **political rhetoric continue to simmer** within India.

Meanwhile, **Indian opposition leaders have openly criticized the Modi government**, blaming it for **diplomatic and strategic missteps**, while some citizens turn their frustrations towards symbolic targets.

This cultural backlash, observers note, illustrates how **nationalist sentiment in India is increasingly influencing everyday language and commerce**, even in areas **as apolitical as food**.