Sutak observed during Death is also known as Patak. It is the period of renouncing daily life activities for twelve to sixteen days after the death of a family member. It is observed by all the family members and relatives of the dead individual.

Sutak observed during Death is also known as Patak. It is the period of renouncing daily life activities for twelve to sixteen days after the death of a family member. It is observed by all the family members and relatives of the dead individual. According to the Garuda Purana, when someone dies, the family must observe Patak for twelve days. They should call a priest to narrate the Garuda Purana and dictate them the rules and regulations of Patak. The execution of Patak includes restriction to – any worship or Puja of a deity, recitation of holy books, consuming spicy food, visiting temples, attending a public function or a ceremony, and exchanging gifts. On the thirteenth day, the “kriya” ceremony is observed, narration of the Garuda Purana is concluded and that ends the Patak period. The belongings of the dead person including its new and old clothes are distributed among the poor and needy.
Contrary to popular belief, Sutak is not a state of EXTRA uncleanness, but rather a condition in which ritual purity has been reset. Perhaps it would be informative to indicate the conditions in which Sutak does NOT apply.‪ As per the Garuda Purana, if a person dies abroad, Sutak does not apply. If a soldier dies in battle, Sutak does not apply. If a person dies while carrying out his dharma, Sutak does not apply. The death of young children doesn't bring Sutak. Similarly, a Brahamana performing a Yagya is not subject to Sutak. There are many exceptions like this, which most people do not understand. The Garuda Purana also describes levels of Sutak, most of which are removed by bathing. These are understood to simply be conditions where the pre-existing ritual purity is lost, and can be regained by the regular methods. For example, upon the birth of a child, the father also has sutak, but in his case this is removed by bathing and the usual ablutions. The mother, however, has Sutak for 10 days, due to the continuing secretions from her body, which would nullify her attempts at ritual purification. 
Observation of Sutak after the death of a family member is a highly meaningful ceremony. As death may occur due to any reason. Sickness, disease, old age, accident, etc. The duration of Patak is corresponding to the reason of death. If a person dies from a serious sickness, the environment of its home could be very contagious for others. So, the people gathered there for mourning, must take a bath after returning to their respective homes to ensure hygiene. Even after cremation of the dead body, a bath is compulsory according to our traditions. Scientifically, the fumes and ashes arising from the burning pyre may infect us. #TheShivaTribe Even the family members of the dead individual may act as carriers of the infection. Thus Patak is observed and the family members are forbidden to attend any public ceremonies. In ancient times, Patak acted as a great method to quarantine such sicknesses. But today, ignorance has blinded our thought process and we consider it as a superstition. Also, If a family member dies in a foreign country, irrespective of the reason of the death. No abstention for twelve days is observed by its family. Only a bath completes the Patak.!! 
Jai Shiva Shankar ~ Om Namah Shivaya!