In the wake of the recent ceasefire agreement with Pakistan, a wave of heightened Hindu nationalism has sparked symbolic cultural changes across India, particularly in Rajasthan’s capital city, Jaipur.
Among the latest developments is a surprising one: the renaming of traditional Indian sweets to remove the suffix “Pak”, which some now associate with Pakistan.
Local media reports reveal that popular sweets such as ‘Moti Pak’, ‘Aam Pak’, and ‘Gond Pak’ are being rebranded as ‘Moti Shree’, ‘Aam Shree’, and ‘Gond Shree’, respectively. Shopkeepers say the move is a show of solidarity with the Indian armed forces, particularly in the aftermath of ‘Operation Sindoor’, and aligns with the growing nationalist sentiment sweeping the country.
“People are very emotional right now. These changes reflect the public mood and our support for the nation,” said one Jaipur-based confectioner.
This symbolic shift is being interpreted as part of a broader pattern of cultural and digital disengagement from Pakistan, echoing actions taken in the entertainment industry as well.
Earlier this month, in a more direct move, the Indian government issued a formal advisory to all OTT platforms, media streaming services, and digital intermediaries, ordering an immediate ban on content originating from Pakistan. The directive, dated May 8, demanded that streaming platforms remove Pakistani songs, films, web series, and podcasts—whether hosted via subscription or free access.
The impact was swift and visible. Pakistani songs, including popular titles like “Maand”, “Jhol”, and “Faasle”, vanished from Spotify India, following the government’s advisory.
According to NDTV, the decision was part of a broader boycott campaign initiated after the Pahalgam attack and escalating military tensions.
While some applaud these measures as acts of patriotism, critics have raised concerns about rising extremism and cultural intolerance, noting that such symbolic bans do little to address the root causes of geopolitical tensions.
Nevertheless, these shifts reflect the charged atmosphere in post-ceasefire India, where nationalist fervor is influencing not only policy and media but also everyday traditions—including the very names of sweets served in local shops.
