Why the mourning family of a dead person should not cook food until 13 days ?

We have seen that usually if somebody died in family then it is said that the mourning family should not cook food until shraddha. But most of these people in India and around the world do not know the reason, Why the mourning family of a dead person should not cook food until 13 days ? and just following the crowd on the name of custom or tradition. So, I decided to do some research and find out the truth behind it and found out some really knowledgeable and must share stuff.

Why the mourning family of a dead person should not cook food until shraddha ?

Well there are two type of belief behind this custom (tradition). One is traditional belief i.e. what people believe and other is scientific belief . We will talk about both traditional and scientific (or ancient) belief with some of its history one by one:

◾Traditional Belief (what people think):

The traditional belief is that it is appropriate to visit the home of the bereaved before the shraddha ("SHRAHD-hah") ceremony which occurs 10 to 12 days after the death depending on the family. During these mourning days, the immediate blood family is considered to be in a state of extreme ritual impurity and bound by several rules. They must not touch or go near the family shrine, must not enter a temple or any sacred place, must not take part in any other religious functions (except funerals), must not recite or read from the holy scriptures, must not visit other family members or friends, must not attend social functions like marriages, parties etc.

On the day on which the death has occurred, the family must not cook as it is considered to be inappropriate to light the family hearth when one of the family member is being cremated, hence usually close family and friends will provide food for the mourning family. Its is for the members of the Bhrahmin caste and 30 days after death for members of the other castes. The ceremony is intended to liberate the soul of the deceased for its ascent to heaven. The guest and visitors are expected to bring fruit to the home of the bereaved. The shraddha is performed at home and the guests are called by phone if they are invited. There is food served but varies according to tradition.

The people return to work 10 to 30 days depending on the service of shraddha, mourning dress, and the eating and behave austerely. It doesn’t have a name but there a rituals that are performed by a priest in a temple for observing the anniversary of the death.

◾Scientific (Ancient) Belief:

The true reason behind this custom is to provide rest to the family of the deceased for mourning, to help them cope with the death of a loved one. In family when something bad happens then all the happiness, hunger and enjoyment went away. If there is no custom like that then mourning family won't eat food properly and this make them ill also. At this critical point , they are looking for a support and company of our loving ones. And with this custom , the close ones can take care of mourning family.

Everything is done by our ancestors purposefully.