shrad-Unauspicious period for a fortnight- it has started today for the north indians.

In north india they observe a "Shrad" period every year. also, once in every three years, it is followed by an additional one month of this unauspicious period is observed. Shrad is to pay respect to the ancestors/dead-elders...

In our area this kind of thing is observed after somebody's death. but not an "yearly" thing.

people do not do any good thing during this period. It might have been originally that whosoever had their family member lost, might not have wanted to do anything for sometime until they got over it.. it might have been added to the custom later... it has gone to modern things to the extent that people don't buy car/gold/house, do not do any business dealing... etc..

is there anything like this in anyother culture?

PS: Shradha is a name given girls, meaning, "faithful"..