June 2026 | Ashburn, Virginia
We are deeply honored to share that Chef Rupa Vira has been formally commended by the Virginia State Senate through Senate Resolution No. 158, introduced by Senator Kannan Srinivasan during the 2026 Session of the Virginia General Assembly.
The resolution was agreed to by the Senate on March 13, 2026. On Tuesday, June 2, 2026, Senator Srinivasan personally visited Celebration by Rupa Vira in Ashburn to present a framed certificate and a copy of the resolution to Chef Rupa — a moment we will carry with us always.
We are deeply grateful to Senator Srinivasan for this honor and for taking the time to recognize Chef Rupa’s contributions to the Commonwealth of Virginia. It means the world to us, to our team, and to everyone who has shared a meal at our table.
What the Virginia Senate Said
The resolution formally recognizes Chef Rupa Vira as an acclaimed culinary leader, restaurateur, and community advocate who has significantly enriched the cultural and culinary landscape of Northern Virginia.
Senator Kannan Srinivasan presenting Virginia Senate Resolution SR-158 to Chef Rupa Vira at Celebration by Rupa Vira, June 2026
The Senate acknowledged Chef Rupa’s journey from her roots in India — where she developed a love of traditional cooking through family recipes and regional techniques — to her arrival in the United States, where she transformed a lifelong passion into a culinary career that now touches the lives of thousands of guests each year.
The resolution traces the full arc of that journey: from catering small community events, to opening her first professional kitchen in Ashburn, to establishing Rupa Vira’s The Signature (a beloved vegetarian Indian restaurant), and ultimately opening Celebration by Rupa Vira — a full-service restaurant and event venue celebrated for its inventive cuisine and exceptional hospitality.
Among the highlights formally recognized by the Virginia Senate:
- Celebration by Rupa Vira and Rupa Vira’s The Signature have been named among Northern Virginia Magazine’s “50 Best Restaurants” for multiple consecutive years
- Her work has been featured in prominent publications and culinary platforms, earning praise for redefining the perception of Indian cuisine in the United States
- Through food festivals, charity events, culinary demonstrations, and community collaborations, she has fostered a broader appreciation for Indian culture throughout the Washington metropolitan region
- She is a dedicated mentor to aspiring chefs and hospitality professionals
- Her restaurants regularly support charitable causes — a reflection of her belief that food is a powerful way to bring people together
The Senate concluded by commending Chef Rupa Vira on her “immense contributions to the Commonwealth’s culinary and cultural landscape.”
A Message of Gratitude
Chef Rupa Vira with Sharad Vira and Senator Kannan Srinivasan at Celebration by Rupa Vira in Ashburn, Virginia
We are incredibly honored by this recognition. A commendation from the Virginia State Senate is something we could not have imagined when Chef Rupa first began catering small gatherings from her kitchen in Ashburn. This honor belongs to every guest who has dined with us, every member of our team who shows up with heart and dedication every single day, and every neighbor in the Northern Virginia community who has embraced the flavors and traditions we bring to the table.
We are especially grateful to Senator Kannan Srinivasan for sponsoring this resolution and for personally coming to Celebration to present it. His commitment to recognizing the contributions of our community to Virginia’s cultural life is a reflection of the warmth and leadership he brings to public service.
“This recognition is not just for me — it is for every person who has sat at our table, and for the incredible team that makes every meal possible. Thank you, Virginia.”
— Chef Rupa Vira
The Team Behind Every Plate
A recognition like this belongs to every member of our kitchen and front-of-house team. The chefs, servers, and staff who bring Chef Rupa’s vision to life every service — this is your moment too. Thank you for your dedication, your craft, and your warmth.
About Chef Rupa Vira
Born and raised in Mumbai, India, Chef Rupa Vira is a self-taught chef who began her culinary journey by catering intimate events for friends and family in Ashburn. Her authentic flavors and creative approach quickly earned a following in the community, leading to the opening of Rupa Vira’s The Signature and then Celebration by Rupa Vira in 2020.
At Celebration, Chef Rupa and her team reimagine traditional Indian cuisine by pairing time-honored recipes with locally sourced ingredients and modern techniques. All meats served at Celebration are 100% Halal, and the menu embraces vegetarian, vegan, Jain, and gluten-friendly options.
Celebration by Rupa Vira has been recognized as one of the Top 10 Best Restaurants in Northern Virginia (2025, 2021), featured on the Washington Post’s “8 Best Indian Restaurants DC“ list (2024), and named Best Indian Restaurant in Best of NoVA — and now, formally commended by the Virginia State Senate.
Come Celebrate With Us
This recognition is a shared achievement — and we would love to welcome you to the table. Whether you are joining us for a weekday lunch, Sunday brunch buffet, a special dinner, or a private event, every visit is a chance to experience the food, the flavors, and the warmth that inspired this honor.
Celebration by Rupa Vira
44260 Ice Rink Plaza, Suite 120 | Ashburn, VA 20147
📞 571-281-2233
🌐 celebrationva.com
→ Reserve a Table → View Our Menu
Closed Mondays. Open Tuesday–Sunday for lunch and dinner. Sunday Brunch Buffet 11:30 AM–3:00 PM.
Senate Resolution No. 158 | 2026 Session | Virginia General Assembly | Introduced by Senator Kannan Srinivasan | Agreed to by the Senate, March 13, 2026
