Acharya Prashant explains that Janmashtami should not be celebrated merely as the historical birth of a child born to Devaki and Vasudeva. He points out the irony in celebrating the birth of Shri Krishna, who himself taught Arjuna that the soul is never born and never dies. Therefore, celebrating it as a literal birthday is a misunderstanding of his teachings. Instead, Janmashtami should be viewed as an opportunity for one's own rebirth. It is a day to pause from the constant movement and bondage of time that defines our regular lives. This stillness and freedom from habitual patterns constitute a true new birth. He cautions against traditional rituals that are often just extensions of personal desires, such as wearing new clothes, dancing, or eating sweets under the guise of devotion. Such activities mean that the special opportunity of the day is lost to the same behaviors that occupy the rest of the year. Acharya Prashant emphasizes that Shri Krishna does not need cradles or clothes; rather, we should look at ourselves. He describes Shri Krishna as the source of strength behind our eyes that allows us to face the truth without fear. Shri Krishna is the soul and the truth residing within, rather than in man-made idols or decorations. The essence of the festival is to turn inward and commit to living in truth.